Impact of COVID-19 on public transport usage in an anticipated ‘new normal’ situation: The case of a South Asian country based on first wave data

Abstract

This study attempted to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on public transport usage in a hypothetical ‘new normal’ situation in a South Asian country, Bangladesh, by using data collected during the first wave of COVID-19. Most of the samples came from young and affluent groups. Findings of the study showed that a substantial proportion of respondents expected to reduce travel by public transport during the ‘new normal’ situation than the pre-pandemic situation. To identify the factors behind the expectation, a multinomial logistic regression model was developed. Results suggest that income, regular travel mode, frequency of travel by public transport in the pre-COVID-19 situation, expected change in trip frequency and virtual activities, risk perception, and trust in preventive strategies can influence public transport use during the ‘new normal’ situation. The results of the study would be useful in understanding the immediate impact of a pandemic on public transportation and help prepare better for future pandemics.