Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked a reduction in mobility, limited in many cases to commuting to work and essential activities. Online shopping, teleworking, and e-learning have gained importance as a result of these mobility restrictions. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban mobility, in addition to identifying possible causes and implications.
Methods: We conducted a review of the scientific literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban mobility by accessing the databases Web of Science, Scopus, and Publish or Perish. The keywords used were: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "transport", "commute", and/or "mobility". The last search was conducted on 23 March 2021. Eligibility assessment was performed independently by two reviewers considering appropriateness to the topic, detailed description of the methodology and absence of bias. A total of 47 studies written in English were selected and considered for this literature review.
Results: The pandemic has led to a general decline in urban mobility worldwide. Commuting times for workers have also been reduced. Public transport has lost importance in the transport modal share due to its perception by the population as a source of infection. Active transport and private motorised transport have been the fastest growing transport modes. In low-and middle-income countries such as India, Bangladesh, or Kenya (Nairobi), public transport decreased less than in high-income countries due to the inability of the population to use more expensive transport modes, as well as the lack of infrastructure to facilitate active transport, such as cycling. This coupled with the need to continue to work face-to-face in many of these countries despite the risk of contagion. Moreover, in all areas considered, lower-income workers have been the most likely to travel and thus to be infected.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in private car use and active transport, along with a decrease in public transport (except in some low-and middle-income countries). The increase in active transport is an opportunity for governments to invest in sustainable mobility infrastructure. We must be prepared, once the pandemic is under control, to promote public and active transport.
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