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The Lithuanian Consumer Organizations Alliance (LVOA), together with consumer organizations from other European countries, raises the question of what safety measures should remain in public transport and other means of mass transport so that residents are not afraid of use them safely. A survey of the Lithuanian population conducted in October shows that after the end of the quarantine, almost a fifth of Lithuanians (18%) will use a private car more frequently and a sixth (15%) will use public transport less.
“Naturally, the quarantine strengthened the self-protection instincts of the population and generated mistrust in the means of public transport: planes, trains, buses, taxis. Also in common areas such as airports, stations, outside – metro lines. Own car was considered a safe means of mobility during a pandemic. But the automobile is the most polluting means of movement. The question is how to restore the confidence of the population to use alternatives to their own car ”, asks Kęstutis Kupšys, Vice President of LVOA.
Disinfectant liquid in public transport?
According to K. Kupšis, a consumer survey conducted in eleven European countries showed that residents will avoid long trips to foreign countries for at least some time after the quarantine and will give priority to domestic tourism. More than a quarter (26%) of this population is present in all countries, including Lithuania. Domestic travel means traveling by car, which in turn means higher CO emissions2 level. European consumer organizations have been concerned about the potential for increased emissions of greenhouse gases and nitrogen oxides and other pollutants that are harmful to health.
“We believe that governments will face the challenge of restoring consumers’ travel habits before the quarantine, and we will encourage confidence in public transportation and other means of public transportation.” One such measure could be the recommendation to use safety equipment, such as masks or hand sanitizers, even after a pandemic, ”says a representative of the Lithuanian Alliance of Consumer Organizations.
Bike and hiking trails required
K. Kupšys points out that Lithuanian consumers indicated that they would use the bicycle more after quarantine (25% of the respondents). Residents of other surveyed countries also report higher bicycle use (23 percent on average). This desire of the population shows that countries must be more active in developing alternatives to sustainable mobility, with a special focus on cycling and walking infrastructure.
“The burden of responsibility falls on city municipalities and districts, who must more actively implement the planned sustainable mobility plans. What we saw last summer, such as the introduction of circular traffic in Vilnius, should continue: it would be better use the examples of European capitals and give up some of the streets in city centers completely to pedestrians. Temporary cycle lanes introduced in European cities, which eventually became permanent, have also been confirmed, “says K. Kupšys. On the other hand, it is necessary to think about the safety of all those involved in mobility: both cyclists and scooter ‘drivers’ must comply with reasonable safety requirements and not endanger themselves or pedestrians. Therefore, according to K. Kupšis, there is a need for discussion and clear rules for these popular types of mobility, without forgetting the responsibilities of the plat forms to share scooters.
A freer approach by employers to working hours
According to the consumer representative, there will be nothing without the goodwill of the public. For example, a company could look more freely at the working hours of its employees. In this case, the cities would not be congested. By the way, Lithuanians promise to return to offices after quarantine. The number of home-based workers in Lithuania will increase by only 3 percent (change from 43 to 46 percent), while in Europe, up to 12 percent. (35 to 47 percent). A more flexible approach by employers and permission to work from home would mean fewer cars on city streets. The consumer representative is convinced that this would also reduce congestion in major cities.
Even after the end of the pandemic, the impact of 2020 will have left an indelible mark on people’s memory and a certain sector of society will never trust public spaces. However, living in constant fear is equivalent to living in conditions of war, so a compromise will have to be found between the relaxation of society and tension. It will be necessary to agree on what security measures will become routine so that one part of society is safe and the other part is not under stress and constant fear. It may be necessary to develop new habits: just as we wash our hands after leaving the bathroom, we will disinfect them when getting off the bus, at airports or train stations, and this will become part of the daily hygiene ritual “, he considers K. Kupšys.
Restore consumer confidence in the law
Another measure that is hampering the restoration of traveler confidence, the vice president of the LVOA referred to the behavior of tour operators and passenger carriers during the pandemic, when consumers were not reimbursed on time for travel and were They offered coupons.
“In Lithuania, we even had amendments to the law that contradicted the regulations in force in the European Union, which stipulate the obligation to reimburse the full amount of missed trips in case of even unforeseen events, such as COVID-19. European consumer organizations are of the opinion that consumer expectations should be restored and the repayment period of 14 days (instead of three months like now) before the pandemic should be returned to the traveler, ”says Kęstutis Kupšys.
