The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the work-life, living situations and travel habits of many people, both around the world and in Australia. Cities rushed to change laws, businesses hurried to implement a digital strategy and people changed their notions of social connectivity, almost overnight. Amidst so much change, the transport sector found itself in an unprecedented situation.

Many individuals started working from home, partially amid fears of the pandemic’s risk to public transport. This has led to the public transport industry’s revenue projected to contract substantially. According to IBIS World, the industry is expected to suffer declines of 7.8 per cent and 4.9 per cent, across 2019-20 and 2020-21.

The ridesharing industry is also being hit with restrictions placed on pubs, bars and nightclubs, hindering the demand for ridesharing operators, as fewer people were requiring these services after a night out. The industry’s revenue is expected to decline of 19.2 per cent and 6.6 per cent in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

The aviation sector was arguably the most negatively affected by the pandemic. Database company, Statista, suggests that as of 23 March 2020, more than 20 airlines, suspended their operations by 100 per cent, implying all flights were cancelled. For the week commencing December 7, almost nine months later, the number of scheduled flights worldwide was down by 46.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Concerns over hygiene practices on public transport pressured individuals to seek alternative forms of transport, focusing on private options.

In Australia, cycling, walking, and micro-mobility are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. E-bikes and e-scooters are also making it easier for a more diverse range of people to travel by active transport.

Bicycle network counts show that the number of people on bikes has increased by over 300 per cent on some paths. A survey conducted in April by Aurecon revealed that 39 per cent of respondents reported they are riding their bikes for exercise purposes.

In addition, recent figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries revealed that Australia’s new vehicle sales were positive, for the first time in over two and a half years. Whilst struggling during the pandemic, the new vehicle industry welcomes the first sign of recovery.

Amidst so much change, the opportunity exists to explore radical changes to behaviours and habits, which can have long-term effects.

Source:

Wired | The Pandemic Gives Us a Chance to Change How We Get Around

IBIS World | Out of Service: The COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Transport to a Stop

Statista | Flight Suspension rate of global airlines due to COVID-19

Aurecon | Changing gears: an integrated approach to active transport

23 December 2020