Personal mobility and coronavirus (COVID-19)

With a pandemic disrupting people’s daily life globally, many things are changing - including their lifestyle, the way they consume, work, and travel. It is highly likely that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a more prolonged impact on the way people move around. The concept of social distancing has brought to the forefront as one of the effective means to control the spread of the virus. People are advised not to travel unless and until urgently needed. So, you can think about how this situation struck the mobility sector.

The economic impact on public transport and shared mobility services are going to be severe as they are suffering from plummeting demand. But think for a moment, when it is not safe to travel in public transport and shared mobility options, so what is the need of the hour? Well, it is a personal mobility solution. The experts all around the world analyzed that personal mobility would be different after the pandemic. The use of personal vehicles will be increased, though their purchases may be delayed.

Also read: How shared cars, scooters, and other mobility solutions are fighting coronavirus

A survey conducted by IBM shows consumer behavior towards using public transportation and personal modes of traveling. One in every four respondents stated that now they will use their exclusive mode of transportation rather than shared mobility or public transportation. More than 20% of respondents who were the regular travelers of buses and trains said they would not be using these means anymore. In the context of ridesharing apps and services, the respondents said that they would either stop them using or curtail the frequency. 

However, buying a personal vehicle is not easy for all, particularly at these unprecedented times when the global economy is going through a depressive phase. Thus the buying decisions of the consumers would be on hold, maybe for more than six months. 

The different surveys and studies conducted in this context, clearly infer the inclination of consumers towards personal mobility. Most of them are likely to opt for the more safe ways of traveling, including riding a car alone, riding a scooter/bike, or bicycle. 

A private vehicle is considered as one of the safest ways of traveling at this time. Riding a bicycle or motorcycle, as long as alone or with those you are quarantined with, is safe for traveling short distances. It also comes with the benefits of fresh air and exercising. When it comes to driving a car alone, people can maintain adequate social distancing. They can sanitize their hands and car interiors each time when they get into the car. Also, if other people access their vehicles, they can wipe down the touch areas with a disinfectant and can ensure their safety.

The COVID-19 has taken us to a time when people will choose to ride their personal cars and motorcycles rather than taking mass transport. 

However, the long implications of COVID-19 on the mobility sector cannot be fully assessed at this point of time. But it is apparent that it is going to take new turns and twists in the near future.

Also read: Auto industry post the COVID-19 pandemic