This paper compares changes in urban public transport (PT) demand and supply before, during, and after COVID-19 in Great Britain, Germany, the USA, Canada, and Australia. We also examine a range of PT system measures and government policies implemented during and since the pandemic to improve safety, adjust service levels, and encourage ridership.
This paper compares changes in urban public transport (PT) demand and supply before, during, and after COVID-19 in Great Britain, Germany, the USA, Canada, and Australia. We also examine a range of PT system measures and government policies implemented during and since the pandemic to improve safety, adjust service levels, and encourage ridership.
The most important government policy for PT has been a massive increase in funding, especially from central governments, to offset the large operating budget deficits resulting from lost passenger revenue. That funding enabled PT systems to maintain or reduce fares while avoiding large reductions in supply. Dependable government support will be necessary in the coming years to make PT financially sustainable and to enable long-term planning for infrastructure modernization and improved service.
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