Planteamiento de estrategias y alternativas de movilidad para los retos del transporte público frente al covid-19 en Riobamba

Abstract

To propose strategies and mobility alternatives for the public transportation system againts COVID-19 in Riobamba city, aims to improve the current situation of this area and the community quality of life when meeting their transportation needs during the pandemic. The research focused on the population of Riobamba canton, and the information was obtained through on-line surveys applied to users, interviews applied to the representatives of urban transportation companies and a checklist focused on vehicles. These tools were used to determine the reasons that prevent people to use the service and thus verify the current situation of this sector along with the strategies proposed by the representatives to keep the service active as well as the biosafety protocols used in the vehicles to ensure sanitation for passengers. The public transportation system is facing a complex situation, its low demand refers to people's fear of getting infected in vehicles, ranging from 450 or more passengers a day, to a maximum of 250 passengers, which represents a serious decline in the economy of this sector. In order to resolve the problem, mobility strategies were established to help the public transportation system reduce its operating costs, promote intermodality, strengthen biosafety protocols and implement disinfection cabins at bus stops to reduce the risk of infection. Public transportation operators, government institutions and others involved are recommended to take this study into consideration as a guide to offer citizens a safe and efficient service during the pandemic.