Do Mass Transit Systems Need a Rethink in the Age of Coronavirus and Beyond?

The recent Coronavirus outbreak has brought to light a myriad of issues within our mass transit systems, raising the question of whether these systems need a fundamental reevaluation. From problems with public hygiene and the protection of transit workers to the necessity of social distancing, the current situation highlights the need for significant changes to ensure the safety and well-being of commuters and employees alike.

Public Health Concerns and Safety Measures

One of the most alarming aspects of the current mass transit environment is the frequency of sick passengers and the potential exposure to contagious illnesses. We have seen reports of sick individuals refusing to wear masks, coughing, and spitting on unsuspecting passengers and drivers. These actions not only put the health of the transit workforce in serious jeopardy but also increase the risk of virus transmission among the public. With fatalities already reported, we must act to protect these essential workers and their families.

A recent incident in New York, for example, underscored the need for improved safety measures. In a post on social media, a driver expressed their frustration and fear, stating, #8220;The subway's got me scared. The air is dirty, the rails dirty, the floor is dirty, it#8217;s all dirty! This sentiment is echoed across various mass transit systems, where the lack of proper sanitization and the proximity of passengers in confined spaces contribute significantly to the spread of viruses.

To mitigate these risks, transit systems must implement strict cleaning protocols and promote the use of personal protection measures. For instance, staggered work hours, limited passenger capacity, and the requirement of face masks can substantially reduce the risk of virus transmission. During the H1N1 outbreak, many states successfully employed these strategies, providing a template for future responses.

Challenges and Solutions

While it is clear that immediate action is necessary, it is crucial to address the broader challenges that mass transit systems face. These systems often operate in urban environments characterized by high population density and limited personal space. In such conditions, ensuring social distancing poses a significant logistical challenge. Reducing the capacity of transit vehicles by 60-75% is a feasible solution, but it may also mean that transit systems cannot operate at full capacity, leading to potential economic impacts.

Another criticism of mass transit stems from its association with the modern urban environment, which some view as oppressive and dehumanizing. While it is true that mass transit systems have been criticized for their negative impact on human interaction and the urban fabric, they remain an indispensable resource for those who do not have access to a private vehicle. For urban dwellers without cars, mass transit offers a viable alternative to sitting in congested traffic, and for many who cannot afford a car, it is a lifeline.

The concept of eliminating cities and dispersing urban populations to exurban estates is often dismissed as impractical. Such an approach would vastly increase the costs of infrastructure maintenance and repair, leading to higher tax assessments and possibly rendering the urban lifestyle unsustainable for a large portion of the population. The unmet transportation infrastructure needs in densely populated areas, such as the 30 billion dollars in the five counties of your regional metropolitan planning organization, are a stark reminder of the economic feasibility of maintaining a dense urban infrastructure.

Conclusion

As we navigate the challenges posed by the Coronavirus and potential future outbreaks, it is essential to rethink our mass transit systems and implement strategic changes to ensure the safety and sustainability of these critical resources. By focusing on hygiene, social distancing, and improved safety protocols, we can create a transit environment that is not only safer but also more resilient to future public health crises.

The time for reform is now. With a little creativity and a lot of effort, we can transform our mass transit systems into safer, more hygienic, and more sustainable modes of transportation for all.