Public transport in the UK: Considerations for continued rehabilitation and future planning for a sector impacted by COVID-19

Global public transport strategies changed significantly through the pandemic to help restrict the spread of SARS-CoV-2, keep travellers and workers safe and ensure service sustainability. UK Government guidance during phases of lock-down led to greatly reduced usage. By February 2022, most restrictions lifted but the sector was struggling with wider issues including the cost of living crisis, effects of war in Ukraine, industrial action, BREXIT and staff shortages. With public transport stakeholders, we developed policy recommendations to assist the sector with recovery from the pandemic. Priorities included increasing footfall while keeping workers and passengers safe following removal of most COVID-19 restrictions, and contributing to wider agendas of societal interconnectivity, levelling up and climate goals.

This paper focusses specifically on the UK, drawing on longitudinal qualitative interviews with experts, organisational representatives (including unions), transport workers and passengers conducted between January 2021 and September 2022.

This longitudinal approach allowed examination of changes in opinions across the sector over time. There was a shift in perceptions and priorities regarding both COVID-19 safety and business stability. Initially the focus was on delivering/receiving an essential service while maintaining the safety of workers and travellers. However, over time, although safety in relation to potential viral spread remained (especially for experts) this became secondary to business stability (organisational leaders) and service reliability (passengers) and the wider context (COVID-19 risk, energy costs, worker shortages, travel patterns etc.) had changed significantly.

Policy recommendations are made for short term recovery, preparedness for future health emergencies and longer-term sustainability of the sector.