Urban public transport policy in the conditions of COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of the research is formation of passenger transport policy by public transport from the standpoint of determining the level of safety in COVID-19 and passenger comfort with the development of basics for measuring the perception of the most important factors of public transport convenience, minimum discomfort and maximum safety. Methodology. The study was conducted in two stages - inhouse and experimental – the collection and processing of data obtained from the survey of passenger flows. Continuous field research by the tabular method which in comparison with the existing ones is the most time-consuming, but the only one that can provide maximum accuracy of passenger information for further processing of the obtained statistical data of the studied system of public transport. The information obtained by organoleptic means was entered for further processing in the special accounting map, then calculations were performed for traffic areas between the stopping points of each studied route. Findings. The results of field research using the model of discomfort allow us to correctly predict the choice of mode of transport and the behaviour of passengers when using public transport in medium-sized cities. It is proved that the artificial underloading of the vehicle to avoid tight contact of passengers does not affect the level of infection with the virus of COVID-19 and, therefore, this restriction is not appropriate. Conclusions. Formation of the strategy of passengers' transportation in the conditions of COVID-19 is possible only with the use of the characteristic indicators of the transportation of people established by the multi-criteria analysis of a transport network – the level of discomfort, vehicle filling factor, the average time of transportation, the average distance of transportation. It is obligatory to use such means of protection as masks and gloves, provide the enhanced ventilation of the salon, and organize passengers' boarding through the back door with 100 % contactless fare payment.