| Abstract |
The development of transport services and infrastructures
strongly depends on the characterization of the different types of road
users who travel daily from one place to another for a specific purpose.
In the case of a public transport (PT) system, it is essential to
understand the dynamics of passenger choices in order to optimize the
use of the service provided (e.g. location of stops, frequency of
service, depar ture and arrival times of bus lines). The recent COVID-19
pandemic has led to the implementation of a number of measures, both by
governments (such as social distancing) and by PT agencies (such as
limiting the number of passengers on board), which have influenced the
propensity to use this transport mode. Since May 2020, there has been an
increase in the number of vehicles in circulation in Sicily, Italy,
after the lockdown phase, which has clearly led to an interesting study
of emerging behaviours and habits among different people. This paper
attempts to identify the factors that led to reduced PT demand in Sicily
after the lockdown period. Empirical findings indicated that the
decrease of scheduled PT services, the limitations on the maximum people
on board, the general fear of COVID-19 infection and the failure of PT
system to properly adapt to the modified business hour environment have
been important PT-discouraging factors in Sicily. These findings were
not significantly differentiated among the various sociodemographic
groups of travellers. This research can provide valuable knowledge for
the optimization of urban and intercity PT services under extreme
conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It may also favour the
diffusion of sustainable mobility strategies and disincentivize the use
of the private car while also improving road safety and environmental
cleanliness in urban and inter-urban space. |