COVID-19 and urban public transport services: emerging challenges and research agenda

Identifier:  imarina:9231063

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9231063

Authors:  Gutiérrez, Aaron; Miravet, Daniel; Domènech, Antoni

Abstract:
This article explores the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic will have for public transport services. First we synthesize the short-term effects. The perception of public transport as a vector of virus transmission has contributed to a shift towards less-sustainable modes of transport. Second we discuss some of the key global challenges emerging from the pandemic, such as the new difficulties for the provision of safe and reliable public transport services, the consequent barriers for the promotion of sustainable and healthy urban mobilities and the potential exacerbation of inequalities. Finally, we assess future research directions with an important focus on how researchers should advance not only in the monitoring of pandemics evolution, but also in the worldwide construction of human scale cities.