EU-funded app aims to reduce spread of COVID-19 on public transport

The RTD says 56 per cent of Lyft customers in Denver reported using a Lyft ride to get to or from a transit station.

The International Association for Public Transport (UITP) has announced its participation in a new EU project, supported by EIT Urban Mobility, to develop a mobile application to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by managing density on public transport and in public spaces.

As the world continues to consider the implications of COVID-19, UITP stated that it is committed to making the positive case for public transport and highlighting how this essential service is needed more than ever.

The mobile application, CO-APS, is said to contribute towards this effort and will bring together eight partners, designed to deliver more options and choices for passengers.

“CO-APS is a good example of what we want to achieve with the COVID-19 CALL: to address urban mobility challenges posed by the pandemic such as ensuring safety in the use of public transport,” said Daniel Serra, Innovation Hub South Director, EIT Urban Mobility.

CO-APS aims to create a full and real-time picture of the situation on public transport or in public spaces. CO-APS gathers data from ticket validation, cameras, occupancy sensors and more to determine crowd levels within a specific station, vehicle or area.

Through in-app challenges and games, CO-APS will also ask travellers questions about how busy a station is or how many people are wearing masks. Through their participation, passengers can then receive discounts, tickets and other services. 

“We must take the opportunity to continue ensuring that our sector provides the best possible environment for passengers during COVID-19 and beyond. Public transport must be at the heart of cities when we build back better to a future post-pandemic. The CO-APS initiative contributes greatly to this effort,” commented Umberto Guido, Senior Director of Knowledge and Innovation, UITP.

CO-APS will be tested in four pilot cities within Europe: Istanbul, Sofia, Barcelona and Karditsa.