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Public transit, active transportation the way of the future, says advocate

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Whenever the global pandemic does come to an end, it has already highlighted the importance of public transit and active transportation, says a long-time advocate.

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Yet what the business of moving people will look like in the future is still to be determined, adds Terence Johnson, as there are still many unknowns.

The president of Transport Action Canada said “it’s kind of early days,” but that certain cities are starting to see the benefits of active transportation, such as bicycles.

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“Those cities that are embracing active transportation, cities like Milan, have said, ‘Oh, the sky can be blue. It doesn’t have to be grey and full of smog,’” the Chatham man said. “They’re creating bike lanes and making sure people can cycle safely and walk around safely. That’s kind of the best possible outcome.

“Not every city can achieve that, but those cities that are, are going to come out ahead.”

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For those travelling a greater distance, Johnson said public transit can be a safe option, as long as passengers have enough room to physically distance themselves.

He said some people might decide to drive for that reason alone, adding it’s likely their first instinct during a pandemic, but that would lead to perpetual gridlock if everybody did so.

“What we have seen has happened during the last few weeks is that some transit services remain crowded because people absolutely rely upon it,” he said. “It is a total mistake to think about cutting services. What you need to do is avoid crowding.

“If you stay far enough ahead of the demand curve, people can use it without being shoulder to shoulder. Keep it comfortable and you can get a seat.”

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With discretionary travel dropping significantly during COVID-19, one unknown is the habits of travellers and how they may potentially change.

The future of brick-and-mortar offices will also play a role in what rush hour looks like post-pandemic.

“Will there be a permanent decline in the number of people commuting at peak times by 10 or 20 per cent? There might be,” Johnson said. “But if you play that well, that actually makes transit much more financially sustainable because you can look at beginning to smooth out demand.

“There are also people who are enjoying working at home and productive doing it. There’s varying levels of comfort with it, that’s for sure.”

Johnson said this may eliminate a “great big crush of people” at certain stops during rush hour, making it easier on staff, passengers and the transit infrastructure itself.

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However, he believes large metropolitan areas, such as Toronto, will still face significant challenges in the coming years, including the capacity to meet demand.

As far as pandemic safety in the meantime, Johnson said service providers have undertaken safety precautions, such as increased disinfection.

“It is definitely well worth wearing a cloth mask. You’re doing that to protect the people around you if you cough or sneeze,” he said.

He also expects there will be more transactions conducted via smartphone to minimize touching surfaces.

Johnson said municipalities can use the current situation as a chance to be proactive in addressing their needs.

“I hope they take the opportunity to explore how we can promote more active transportation,” he said, “and making sure that whatever transit vehicles we get are large enough to allow people to distance now and accommodate future demand.”

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