What now for transport in the time of COVID-19?

Covid-19 What now for transport in the time of COVID-19?

With half of the human population currently living under lockdown, COVID-19 forced a new normal upon us. However, amongst the terrible harm that coronavirus is causing, there is a thread of opportunity for city transport and mobility planners across the globe.

There’s not a sector of society unimpacted by COVID-19 from healthcare to tourism, restaurants, and sporting events. Mobility is also feeling the pain, and public transport has been subject to a critical (but necessary) drop in usage. On Saturday the Mayor of London announced on Twitter:
“I am grateful Londoners have listened & are staying home. But as the majority of TFL’s [Transport For London’ s]costs are funded through fares — down 90% — it’s putting huge pressure on TfL’s finances. To help safeguard vital transport services, TfL will be furloughing 7,000 staff.”

They’re not alone. In Vancouver, TransLink has announced nearly 1,500 layoffs and widespread cuts in response to losing $75 million every month due to reduced ridership.

More disturbingly, The Guardian reports that nearly 100 American transit workers have died from the coronavirus in the US and at least 20 bus drivers in the UK. In New York’s…