Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mana Vahidbafandeh ¹
• Javad Imani Shamloo ²
• Melika Fadavi ¹
• Niloofar Sultanvash ¹

¹ Master student of Urban Design, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

² Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to public transportation systems worldwide, resulting in a substantial decrease in demand. In light of this, it is crucial to develop policies that mitigate potential risks and prioritize the health and safety of passengers. While the scientific and collective understanding of the interplay between these two spheres is steadily growing, the absence of a comprehensive review focusing on sound policymaking is deemed significant. This present research aims to quantitatively synthesize and consolidate existing studies in the field to determine the effectiveness of various policies by examining overlapping sources and combining findings. The meta-analysis method was employed to fulfill the research objective, with both Persian and English scientific research articles constituting the statistical population. The search process involved manual selection and utilized relevant keywords such as "public transportation" and "COVID-19." Ultimately, a total of 50 scientific research articles (in Persian and English) were included as the final statistical population. For the execution of the meta-analysis, data were inputted into the Stata software, enabling the creation of a forest diagram (also known as an accumulation diagram). Furthermore, analytical connections between the research articles were established using the VOSviewer‎ software. The findings of the synthesis reveal a profound research gap pertaining to the understanding of resource policies in this domain.
Keywords: Covid-19, Policy making, Public Transport, Meta-analysis.
 
 

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant and unprecedented challenge to the global public transportation sector. This crisis has led to a remarkable decrease in demand and revenue, affecting urban travel on a worldwide scale. While the decline in transportation activity has been observed across various modes, public transportation has been particularly impacted. In fact, the epidemic has caused a staggering 70% reduction in the utilization of public transportation services globally. Given the essential nature of public transportation for everyday commuting needs, complete cessation of services is impractical and not viable under any circumstances.
Public transportation systems are known to facilitate the spread of respiratory diseases due to the high concentration of passengers within confined spaces. Strong evidence indicates airborne transmission of the virus in enclosed environments—such as those encountered within these transportation networks. Despite this understanding, it is essential to acknowledge that many individuals heavily rely on public transportation as their primary means of travel due to economic constraints. Consequently, the precise role of public transport in the transmission of the virus remains undetermined.
Given the outlined issues, it becomes evident that a systematic categorization of the research conducted in this field is of utmost importance. Considerable investigation has already been undertaken to explore the impact of the novel coronavirus on public transportation. However, there exists a need for the present study to contribute to this body of knowledge by conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Through this endeavor, the aim is to identify alternative and effective incentive policies that can enhance the demand for public transportation—a crucial mode of travel.

Literature Review

Respiratory infections typically spread through droplets and airborne particles, making closed environments more susceptible to transmission compared to open spaces. This poses a significant challenge for the public transportation sector. Governments worldwide have faced the necessity of implementing various policy measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, including initiatives focused on the quality control and management of public transportation routes, as well as addressing broader social aspects.
The epidemic has dealt a severe blow to public transportation systems, with the American Transportation Association reporting an astonishing 80% decrease in usage during the coronavirus outbreak. In the United States, a rapid decline in public transportation ridership can be attributed predominantly to concerns surrounding contagion. This decline has had profound ramifications, particularly for the transportation sector's workforce, resulting in significant job losses. Attention must be directed toward this critical issue, as it profoundly affects the economic aspects of the transportation industry.
Consequently, implementing appropriate strategies to improve the prevailing conditions and encourage a return to public transportation usage becomes imperative. Of particular significance is the persistent fear of contagion in public spaces, which continues to linger among the populace despite a reduction in the prevalence of the epidemic. Addressing this fear and restoring confidence in the safety of public transportation environments remain vital approaches to be considered.

Methodology

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses serve as indispensable tools for synthesizing and analyzing data from various studies related to a specific research topic. These methods have gained significant prominence across numerous fields in recent years and are widely acknowledged as instrumental approaches in research. Recognizing the significance of the research framework and the existing research gap concerning public transportation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes imperative to prioritize the collection of relevant resources. Hence, the meta-analysis method emerges as the most appropriate technique for gathering comprehensive insights on this subject matter.

Results

The theoretical underpinnings of the research are foundational to the overall structure of the study, encompassing three key components, namely transportation, personal, and environmental and physical health. These components, as suggested by influential scholars such as Professor Stein, shape the core structure of the research. Upon conducting a comprehensive evaluation, it can be concluded that the theoretical foundations of the study possess notable strengths; however, they would benefit from further elucidation and organization. Findings from previous studies have also shed light on certain weaknesses within the research, including the absence of robust foundational theories, limited favorable conclusions in Persian articles, and a lack of primary sources. Furthermore, results from the analysis indicate that more than 45% of the reviewed articles lack a strong and coherent theoretical framework. On the other hand, over 46% of the articles (23 articles in total) draw upon diverse sources, which is regarded as a significant strength within the interpretive framework derived from the systematic review.     

Conclusion

The global outbreak of the coronavirus has had a profound impact on various social and economic sectors, particularly in the realm of public transportation. Among the notable effects are significant reductions in intra-city travel and overall mobility within urban areas. In response, many governments were compelled to implement emergency measures, which included the adoption of restrictive policies aimed at curtailing non-essential trips and either closing or minimizing the utilization of public transportation networks. These policies played a crucial role in safeguarding public health and mitigating the transmission of the coronavirus, while concurrently necessitating the swift development and implementation of efficient solutions to ensure continued mobility. Noteworthy measures implemented in response to the pandemic encompassed a range of strategies, such as prioritizing individual health through practices like physical distancing and support for medical services. Additionally, efforts were made to enhance the efficiency of public transportation systems through the utilization of smart tools, segregation protocols, and other related initiatives. These policy considerations hold significant importance within the context of decision-making processes, as they address critical aspects of public health and effective urban transportation management.
 

Keywords

• Covid-19
• Policy making
• Public Transport
• Meta-analysis

Main Subjects

• Urban and Regional Development Planning