How Transportation in Cities Would Look Like Post Lockdown
India has entered the fifth phase of lockdown, what many refer to as ‘Unlock 1.0’. Currently, India’s Health Ministry found that the COVID recovery rate has surpassed the rate of active cases, bringing a ray of hope for around 1.3 billion people in India. While the Government of India has lifted interstate travel restrictions for most of the states with their mutual consent, travel safety is still a concern. It’s sure that the post-COVID transportation will have one thing constant, i.e., social distancing norms. So, how would the transportation in cities actually look like post lockdown? Let’s take a look!
The commuters wearing masks would only be allowed
‘Wearing masks’ is going to be the new normal in the post-COVID world. In May 2020, the Ministry of Health had made face masks compulsory for all the passengers traveling by flights, rail, or buses. In all the future travels, wearing masks while boarding and during the travel would be mandatory in addition to following hand and respiratory hygiene.
Contactless ticketing options
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the ‘contactless wave’ has begun in almost all parts of the world. Many businesses have come online and so are the transportation services. As contactless ticketing and digital payments get popular, booking a bus ticket online through aggregators like redBus and downloading the e-ticket appears to be a boon for travelers.
Disinfecting public areas and public transportation
Disinfecting all the public areas after every 3–4 hours and sanitizing the buses after every trip would become necessary in the post-COVID period. Drivers and conductors must also disinfect their hands before taking charge of the vehicle. The buses with redBus Safety+ feature go through deep cleaning and sanitizing before every trip since disinfecting high-touch surfaces inside every vehicle at a scheduled time is the best way to keep the environment safe.
Decreased percentage of passenger occupancy
The lockdown may be called off, but social distancing would still be a part of our lives. The bus or train crew must ensure that passengers are following a queue-based entry and enough physical distancing is following inside the buses. On the other hand, travelers should also make sure to book a trip in advance before the limited number of seats get occupied.
More helplines for passengers
After the COVID-19 outbreak, the Health Ministry of India launched a number of state-wise toll free numbers as well as central helpline numbers for any help regarding Coronavirus. This pandemic-time has taught us to be aware and updated. Hence, several transportation agencies and bus operators are also providing helpline numbers for the passengers so that they can modify their plans and save themselves from any unprecedented discomfort.
With social distancing norms, sanitization, safety measures, e-ticketing, and helplines, transportation in Indian cities would have a different picture in the post-COVID era. redBus, with its Safety+ feature and online ticketing system ensures that transportation would be safer and worry-free for the passengers. COVID-19 has provided Indian cities an opportunity to to transform the transportation system by using the latest technology and investing in healthy solutions.