The COVID-19 pandemic: the challenge of managing it as a crisis and harnessing it as a chance for sustainable mobility and transport

Abstract

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic comprises a “milestone” for multiple aspects of social, economic, and technological life. Trips and movements were placed at the center of attention to control the virus’ transmission since the diffusion may occur both during the trip, while people are on-board, and after they arrive at the final destination, in the context of their activities. Public Transport Authorities (PTA), providers of mobility services, and commuters have faced various challenges that require from them a change or adaptation of their practices and behavior. In the framework of the European project “PE4Trans”, which concerns citizens’ engagement in the planning of sustainable mobility policies, a multidisciplinary three-session virtual event took place. Its aim was to address all challenges posed by the pandemic related to mobility and transport by involving researchers, executive officers, decision-makers, and policymakers in an organized dialogue. This paper systematizes and synthesizes the findings of this discussion, covering aspects related to the nature of the pandemic, the measures of personal protection along the whole mobility chain, the structural business changes for the case of mobility providers, the exploitation of technology, the people with disability, and the role of the local authorities. The pandemic reveals itself as a two-sided coin: its first side is related to the public health crisis that needs proper handling within the transport system, while its second side is related to the chance of accelerating the transition towards sustainable mobility and the opportunity of promoting reforms within the transport business sector.