There is no direct link between public transport and cases of coronavirus, the study says.

Staten Island, NY-One of the country’s leading transport experts found that there was no direct correlation between public transport access and the transmission of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

On Tuesday, Samm Schwartz, a well-known transportation guru, was commissioned by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). “Public Transportation and COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Research and Best Practices”

This report analyzes the relationship between public transport usage and infection rates in different cities in the United States, as well as recommendations and best practices that may advance as the US public transport system continues to recover. Is provided.

Researchers have examined studies from cities around the world and found that there is no direct correlation between public transport use and coronavirus transmission, and public transport use is a “minimal risk”. I paid attention to showing.

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“Reviews of studies around the world show the risks of using public transport, especially if certain safety measures are taken, such as face covering, a well-functioning ventilation system, and minimal conversation by the rider. It shows that it is minimal, “the study states.

The study analyzed trends in public transport passenger numbers in multiple cities across the country and regional coronavirus cases, and found a direct correlation between increased passenger numbers and confirmed cases. I couldn’t.

Number of passengers vs. positive test result rate

From June 1st to August 18th, New York City had more than 150 million bus and subway rides. However, New York City’s positive test result rate dropped by more than 70% during that period, going from 3.3% positive to 1% positive. , According to a survey.

According to the survey, “In New York City, the number of cases and the use of public transportation seem to be inversely related.”

In the Greater Hartford area of ​​Connecticut, transit ridership is relatively stable throughout the pandemic, and coronavirus cases in the area have declined significantly.

In cities such as San Francisco, Austin, Salt Lake City, and Columbus, coronavirus cases are on the rise, while transit passenger numbers are relatively stable.

The opposite relationship between passenger numbers and infection rates in New York, coupled with stable passenger numbers in other cities, is due to the fact that infection rates are declining in some cities and increasing in others. We can see that there is no direct correlation between the number of passengers and the coronavirus infection rate.

“As of August 2020, public transport outbreaks in the United States have not been tracked. Correlation between infection rates and transit usage, based on case rate and transit usage data reviews in domestic cities. Is weak or nonexistent. Rather, the COVID-19 infection rate seems to be independent of ridership, “the report said.

Mask is important

Researchers have emphasized the importance of wearing masks on public transport as a means of reducing the spread of the virus and protecting others as well as themselves.

Masks are very important to prevent inhaling and exhaling potentially infectious particles, as the virus can spread asymptomatically.

Studies show that “increasing evidence indicates the importance of facial coverings to prevent the permeation of both droplets and aerosols, even in indoor environments such as public transport.” “Top scientists emphasize that wearing a mask may be the most important way to reduce COVID-19 infection.”

The survey provided three possible explanations for why there is no correlation between public transport usage and positive cases: Enhanced airflow system for many public transport systems. In contrast to other indoor venues such as restaurants and bars, commuters generally talk very little on public transport.

In terms of best practices and recommendations to keep public transport as safe as possible as ridership recovers, researchers have changed from mandating face covers to personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers and riders. We proposed various measures, such as providing a service and disinfecting transportation on a regular basis. We ensure capacity savings, perform daily employee health checks, and use new technology to inform commuters.

“As explained, all practices are challenging and usually require additional resources, so each agency takes different steps based on local conditions, available resources, and capabilities. In some cases, the report states that these practices are the most practical, influential and economically feasible for transportation.

Earlier this month, Governor Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers to return to mass transit. We hope to ensure that the state’s public transport is safe, thanks to increased disinfection efforts.

“These cars (commuter cars, subway cars, buses) are disinfected every day. They are cleaner than ever,” Cuomo said. “If all new normal people are driving their cars to Manhattan, we are not going to return to normal.”