Urban transport policies in the time of pandemic, and after: An ARDUOUS research agenda. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corazza, Maria Vittoria; Musso, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Transport policy. Volume 103(2021)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Pandemic -- Mobility -- Transit -- Emergency -- Lockdown -- New normal; Transportation and state -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Rates -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.01.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-070X

Abstract

Abstract: While the virus keeps spreading worldwide and mass vaccinations are yet to come, transport policy makers face a dilemma: how is mobility changing? The situation is not unprecedented. But, unlike in past times when medical science was at early stages and little technology was available, counteractions currently undertaken by national and supranational governments integrate highest medical knowledge and technological skills with new, fast-adaptive lifestyles and transport patterns. The paper moves from this to present some key issues, synthesized by the ARDUOUS acronym ( Adjustment, Redesign, Domesticity, Unsharing, Organization, Unsustainability, Standardization ), to cope with the present situation and give rise to a new approach in the future urban transport policies. The paper, after analyzing the contemporary situation and its implications, addresses each issue in terms of both current limitations and potential to improve the future transport policies. Some directions are proposed and commented, to advance and create a reference for further transport policies, within the general research goal to contribute to advance scientific knowledge in this new transportation study topic. Highlights: Individual mobility was severely impacted by the pandemic. Safe transport systems are crucial in mitigating the spread risks. A new policy approach is needed to provide safe mobility for all. Domesticity, Unsharing, Unsustainability are the risks to face in the new normal. Adjustment, Redesign, Organization and Standardization are needed to create preparedness.