34
C. Daher et al.
4.3 Promotion of the Rational Use of Private Transport,
Taxis and Shared Vehicle Services
Use of private vehicles may help keep distance, reducing the risk of transmission, but
comes at the cost of high emissions, noise and urban space occupancy. Further, cities
with high traffic volumes before the pandemic will struggle to manage an increase
in circulating vehicles, and this will limit the space for active transport. Taxis and
shared vehicle services offer more flexible options for people who may need to use
cars, especially for more vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. If implemented
in conjunction with city transport management, they are a viable option that can
minimize the need for individual car ownership.
4.4 Use Technology to Manage and Programme Mobility
Technology is a key asset for mobility management that is underused. Smartphone
applications can help people find optimal routes and suggest alternatives to avoid
crowding. For instance, apps can alert people about congested streets in real time
and can be used to plan trips on public transport in advance, to limit occupancy. They
can also be used for payments to avoid having to touch ticket machines in stations
and on buses. Technology tools can also be used to create passenger flow and alert
systems for transport operators.
4.5 Change Working and Shopping Habits
Providing more flexible options for teleworking and managing work-time hours will
help decongest routes. Planning strategies, such as the 15-minute city, encourage
local shopping to reduce trips and encourage those accessible by active. Online
shopping can reduce individual trips; however, delivery of goods should be coordinated and preferably done through active and sustainable transport during the “last
mile” (Fig. 3).
4.6 Immediate Actions Recommended
Linking health and mobility at this time of transformation can bring large gains and
move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Applying measures
to increase active transport, in combination with public space management to guarantee distancing, will assist in combating the spread of COVID-19. These strategies
also promote a healthier lifestyle, while reducing the impacts on the environment.
However, changes need to be consolidated in the longer term and carefully monitored.
C. Daher et al.
4.3 Promotion of the Rational Use of Private Transport,
Taxis and Shared Vehicle Services
Use of private vehicles may help keep distance, reducing the risk of transmission, but
comes at the cost of high emissions, noise and urban space occupancy. Further, cities
with high traffic volumes before the pandemic will struggle to manage an increase
in circulating vehicles, and this will limit the space for active transport. Taxis and
shared vehicle services offer more flexible options for people who may need to use
cars, especially for more vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. If implemented
in conjunction with city transport management, they are a viable option that can
minimize the need for individual car ownership.
4.4 Use Technology to Manage and Programme Mobility
Technology is a key asset for mobility management that is underused. Smartphone
applications can help people find optimal routes and suggest alternatives to avoid
crowding. For instance, apps can alert people about congested streets in real time
and can be used to plan trips on public transport in advance, to limit occupancy. They
can also be used for payments to avoid having to touch ticket machines in stations
and on buses. Technology tools can also be used to create passenger flow and alert
systems for transport operators.
4.5 Change Working and Shopping Habits
Providing more flexible options for teleworking and managing work-time hours will
help decongest routes. Planning strategies, such as the 15-minute city, encourage
local shopping to reduce trips and encourage those accessible by active. Online
shopping can reduce individual trips; however, delivery of goods should be coordinated and preferably done through active and sustainable transport during the “last
mile” (Fig. 3).
4.6 Immediate Actions Recommended
Linking health and mobility at this time of transformation can bring large gains and
move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Applying measures
to increase active transport, in combination with public space management to guarantee distancing, will assist in combating the spread of COVID-19. These strategies
also promote a healthier lifestyle, while reducing the impacts on the environment.
However, changes need to be consolidated in the longer term and carefully monitored.