The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Perception of Public Transportation Users in Amman (Jordan)

Abstract

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has a significant impact on the public transportation (PT) sector and users’ perception. This study aimed to assess the public transportation users’ perceptions, needs, and preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Amman, Jordan. A cross-sectional correlation design was used to recruit 510 participants between March 2020 - October 2020. We used an online survey that included the users’ sociodemographic data sheet, frequency of using PT and other traveling modes, and travelers’ perception towards PT before and after the pandemic. This study indicated a dramatic decrease in using PT during the pandemic, reaching 50%, and a reduction in the frequency of PT daily usage from 16% to 4%, however, all other traveling modes experienced an increase. In addition, 50% of the participants indicated that social distancing was the most important criterion to choose the mode of traveling during the pandemic, while equally 22% of the participants considered the duration and cost before traveling as an important criterion. A significant correlation between the frequency of using PT during the pandemic and anxiety was observed. However, the frequency of using PT or walking indicated a significant correlation with education levels only before the pandemic. Besides, 50% and 40% of the participants reported that neither public transportation nor walking infrastructure conditions were appropriate, respectively. The study yielded important empirical data that can be employed in PT planning and understanding users’ preferences during this pandemic and for anticipated coming waves.