Density and Public Transit – Victims of COVID Pandemic?

Abstract

Abstract Urban sustainable development policies that promote high density and increased use of public transit are known for their numerous public health benefits, such as fostering increased physical activity, reducing obesity and disease rates, improving access to nutritious food, and enhancing healthcare availability. However, continued public support is critical for local adoption and implementation of such policies. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public support for such high-density and public transit. Data for this study was gathered using an online survey administered in the Seattle metropolitan area during April to May 2023. The findings indicate a significant negative relationship between concerns about COVID-19 transmission and public support for higher urban density and enhanced public transit access. This trend poses a challenge for public health and sustainability advocates. A decline in public support will potentially undermine the ability of growing communities to embrace and implement development policies that promote density and public transit. The reduction in public support raises concerns about a possible policy shift towards lower urban densities and decreased public transit use, reverting to less sustainable growth patterns. Such a shift could have detrimental long-term consequences for urban sustainability and public health. These results emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of public sentiment in policy formulation and implementation in the post-pandemic era.