Covid-19 pandemic impacts on essential transit riders: Findings from a US Survey

The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated public transit service across the United States and caused significant decreases in ridership. Little is known about the reasons for unevenness in pandemicera mode shifts and the impacts of pandemic-related transit reductions on riders' day-to-day lives. Using a national survey of U.S. transit riders (n = 500) conducted in fall 2020, this study examines changes in transit use since the pandemic began, the reasons for transit reductions, and the effects of reduced transit use and transit service on transit riders' ability to meet their travel needs. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing transportation burdens for those who have limited mobility options, those facing socioeconomic challenges, Hispanic or Latinx riders, and female, non-binary or genderqueer people. We close with recommendations for strengthening transit service for these groups in the long term as we recover from the pandemic.

Automated summary

This study examines the changes in transit use, reasons for transit reductions, and the effects of reduced transit use and service on riders' daily lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study finds that the pandemic has exacerbated transportation burdens for those with limited mobility options, facing socioeconomic challenges, Hispanic or Latinx riders, and female, non-binary or genderqueer individuals.