Advocating for public transport – and the continuity of a vital sector

Once the public health situation stabilises after the coronavirus outbreak subsides, public transport and local mobility services can and will play an even greater role in revitalising our economies and society.

The public transport sector is recognisable by its strength of community and is needed now more than ever, so what is UITP advising the sector should do during the coronavirus outbreak? How can we all make sure that public transport not only survives, but thrives, once our cities return to busier times?

Working remotely alongside more than 1800 members in 100 countries, UITP is sharing expertise, best practices and good examples, and also stories, to connect at the human level, as the public transport sector loses its usual opportunities to network face to face.

As operators and authorities work hard to maintain a minimum service, many vital workers in our society rely on public transport to get them to work, shop for groceries and care for the sick.  With key sector workers in our cities relying on their local mobility options, UITP is continuing to advocate for the basic continuity and survival of our public transport services. It has also collaborated with several international associations to join forces for a global call to action on the need to continue passenger transport services.

No one is quite able to determine what the next steps will look like in terms of assessing the economic and financial impact of the pandemic on the urban and local mobility sector. When these decisions come to be made, however, financial aid for public transport must be on the table.

Once the public health situation stabilises after the coronavirus outbreak subsides, public transport and local mobility services can and will play an even greater role in revitalising our economies and society.

The public transport sector is recognisable by its strength of community and is needed now more than ever, so what is UITP advising the sector should do during the coronavirus outbreak? How can we all make sure that public transport not only survives, but thrives, once our cities return to busier times?

1. Information

Safety is paramount for everyone. We must ensure that all workers receive the latest and most accurate information about COVID-19, including ways to limit and avoid transmission.

2. Provide PPE

Make sure to provide staff, in all occupational groups, with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, hand sanitising products and other appropriate means to limit the spread of the virus, taking into account the availability of the local facilities.

3. Deep clean

Regular deep cleaning and disinfection of public transport vehicles, workplaces, stations and assets touched by public transport users (such as ticketing devices, poles and seats), and make disinfectant dispensers available for passengers.

4. Social distance

Limit the interactions of drivers and those in other occupations with passengers (for example no on-board cash ticket sales, allowing rear-door boarding only) in line with social distancing standards.

5. Be dynamic

Adapt the level of service according to the reduction of travel demand to ensure service continuity and to comply with decisions taken by public authorities (for example night services and school services are suspended in some cities, and some networks are following weekend or school holidays timetables as agreed with trade unions).

6. Support others

Provide dedicated services to healthcare personnel and any other category of personnel falling under essential services.