Four Ways To Handle Public Transportation Options In Times Of Crisis: Effectively Managing Them

 

The COVID-19 epidemic has shook every sector of society and economy and public transportation isn't an exception. Since states began issuing stay at home orders, ridership levels have dropped as high as 95 percent resulting in millions of dollars being lost. Reduced economic activity has also resulted in a decline in state and local taxes. These are major sources of funding for a variety of public transportation agencies.

Methods to reduce and reopen it in a fair and equitable manner

Transit agencies are going to be required to make a decision about which cuts have the least impact on passengers and which lines should be reopened when the economy is reopening. Be aware that these decisions could have unintended and possibly discriminatory consequences We've provided four suggestions of steps transit agencies can use to ensure a fair response when cutting or opening lines for transit. Click here to find out more about public transportation right now.

Keep and reopen bus routes and trains according to needs, not just ridership

Budgets are often cut and agencies take decisions based on ridership. This means that the agency may cut lines with the least riders first. Although ridership is vital for organizations to be able to function, it may not always be to the extent of the requirements of the agency. People who depend on transit and have no other means of getting around might not be able to live along routes with the most ridership especially in cities where the densest areas are unaffordable to lower-income households. Agency must employ strategies such as spatial mismatches with low-wage workers , base cuts and openings to identify which routes are the most required.

Engage low-income and transit-dependent riders

Riders who are unable to come up with other alternatives should be contacted by the agencies in order to figure out which services are feasible to cut without creating disruption. An agency might have to choose between reducing the frequency of a bus route or adding another. Some riders may choose one route over the other. Transit-dependent users must be able to offer feedback to agencies and they should hold virtual meetings using audio and translators so that riders can have their input.

Make sure that the paratransit service isn't affected

Paratransit agencies can't stop fixed route service from being operated, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. But they can reduce paratransit services in relation to comparable fixed route service being offered. Since many transit agencies contract out their paratransit services to private companies, agencies must ensure that the businesses continue to operate on-demand service and also provide accessible vehicles, so that those who have disabilities of any kind can use them.

Find creative alternatives to buses and trains

Transit agencies need to consider alternative options to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The riders may be able to use services such as subsidized bicycle sharing, e-riding or electric scooters that are safer alternatives particularly in areas that have a shortage of buses. Partnerships with employers as well as other private firms could to provide safer alternatives for riders so that they do not have to make the impossible decision between missing work and contracting the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 epidemic is threatening public transportation and transit-dependent users. Today, more than ever, decisions about transit should be made with equity in mind, so that our most vulnerable residents and workers are able to get where they need to go safely.