COVID-19 and public transport: an overview and recommendations applicable to Latin America

Abstract

The article presents a general overview on COVID-19 transmission in the context of public transport, particularly applicable to decision making in Latin America. Based on recent findings on COVID-19 transmission and the relative importance of each factor (droplets, fomites, and aerosol routes) in such transmission, we seek to update the discussion on the topic that has generally been based on social distance as the only parameter for reducing the risk of transmission and broadens the vision to integrate ventilation, users' behavior (mask and eye protection use, silence while in the transport system) and travel distance. Recommendations to improve mobility conditions reducing the risk of COVID-19 contagion are provided. COVID-19 y transporte público: una revisión y recomendaciones aplicables a América Latina ResumenEl artículo presenta una revisión de transmisión de COVID-19 en el contexto de transporte público, con aplicación particular para toma de decisiones en América Latina. Con base en los hallazgos recientes sobre transmisión de Covid-19 y la importancia relativa de cada factor (gotículas, fómites y rutas de aerosoles) en dicha transmisión, buscamos actualizar la discusión sobre el tema que generalmente se ha basado en la "distancia social" como parámetro único de reducción de riesgo de transmisión y amplía esta visión para integrar la ventilación, el comportamiento de usuarios (uso de mascarilla, protección ocular, silencio), y la distancia de viaje. Se indican al final recomendaciones para mejorar las condiciones de movilidad en general sin aumentar el riesgo de contagio de Covid-19.

Road Transport and Its Impact on Air Pollution during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic affected the whole world over time, and severe measures have been taken, including instructing people to isolate from the rest of the population. The measures put in place have significantly reduced everyday mobility, affecting the transport sector [42][43][44][45][46][47]. Hiselius and Arnfalk note that self-isolation and travel restrictions dramatically reduced the demand for passenger transport, including public transport, as potential passengers were concerned about being infected by other travelers [48].…”

“…affecting the transport sector [42][43][44][45][46][47]. Hiselius and Arnfalk note that self-isolation and travel restrictions dramatically reduced the demand for passenger transport, including public transport, as potential passengers were concerned about being infected by other travelers [48].…”

Prioridade para futuras vacinações contra a Covid-19 no Brasil: os usuários de transporte público devem ser um grupo-alvo?

“…De acordo com o recente relatório divulgado pelo Centro Europeu de Prevenção e Controle de Doenças (ECDC, 2020), a aglomeração no transporte público pode aumentar a transmissão direta (gotas respiratórias) e indireta (superfícies contaminadas) de Covid-19 entre usuários e funcionários. Além disso, Pardo et al (2021) mostram que a alta densidade e níveis de mistura de pessoas dentro de ônibus e metrôs podem converter o sistema de transporte público em locais propensos a disseminar a Covid-19. Segundo os autores, a operação segura do transporte público deve contemplar alguns fatores-chave, como ventilação, comportamento do usuário (máscaras e proteção ocular), silêncio do usuário e distância entre passageiros (1-2 metros).…”

Estimation of crowding factors for public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago, Chile

“…Policy oriented studies include the review of measures adopted to mitigate COVID-19 spread in public transport (Tirachini & Cats, 2020; Lima et al, 2020), general guidelines to policymakers and planners regarding physical health and subjective well-being (De Vos, 2020), and health recommendations to minimize spread in public transport for operators ( UITP, 2020 ) and planners (GIZ, 2020; Pardo et al, 2021 ). The existing literature emphasizes promoting social distancing among passengers, as well as the use of masks and the disinfection of surfaces, not only in vehicles but also in stations and workspaces (GIZ, 2020).…”

“…The existing literature emphasizes promoting social distancing among passengers, as well as the use of masks and the disinfection of surfaces, not only in vehicles but also in stations and workspaces (GIZ, 2020). The maximum occupancy recommendations also depend on the duration of the trips, the ventilation of the vehicles and the climate ( Pardo et al, 2021 ).…”