Investigation of the Effect of the COVID-19 Epidemic Period on Public Transportation Systems by Survey Method

Abstract

COVID-19 virus has spread rapidly in Turkey as well as in the world. The pandemic has adversely affected all living areas. Among the main of these areas, urban and intercity transportation can be shown. This study aims to examine how the pandemic affects public transportation and how the change in personal perception of public transportation takes place. Within the scope of the study, survey data showing users' perceptions of public transportation were used, together with data from the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods in Istanbul and Ankara. During the 1.5-year pandemic period, it was observed that the number of passengers carried in public transportation decreased by 45%. With the increase in the number of cases, it was observed that there was a decrease of more than 80% during the periods when the government took strict measures. According to user surveys, it has been determined that public transportation is less preferred than the pre-pandemic and there is a decrease of 20%, although measures such as the use of masks, disinfection of transportation vehicles, and reduction of carrying capacity are taken. The situation of contracting the virus is determinant in the effect of trust and choice in public transportation vehicles. It has been observed that those who have caught the virus more than once, move more freely and worry less about public transportation. In addition, it has been observed that the use of private vehicles has increased, minibuses in urban transportation and buses in intercity transportation are perceived as the most unsafe vehicles.