Pandemic makes private cars more popular, public transport loses out – survey

(Clean Energy Wire, 7 May 2020) The coronavirus crisis has added a new "feelgood factor" to private cars at the expense of public transport in Germany, according to a survey conducted by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).

"It is clear that the corona pandemic is fundamentally changing our mobility behaviour. Public transport in particular has to bridge a dry spell and needs support," said Barbara Lentz, director of DLR's Institute for Transport Research. "Much suggests that cars and bicycles will emerge as winners from the crisis." Almost all respondents said they felt as comfortable or more comfortable in a car than in pre-crisis times. "This is not the case for any other mode of transportation," the DLR said.

Around a third of respondents from households who did not own a car said they missed one, and six percent said they were thinking about buying one. Nine percent of all respondents said they considered buying a bicycle or electric bicycle.

"In the context of the corona crisis, one can certainly speak of a 'revival' of the private car," Lentz said. "Surprisingly, many young city dwellers in particular miss their own vehicle in this situation." She added it will be exciting to see whether this trend will continue after the crisis.

External link

Clean Energy Wire, 7 May 2020: Pandemic makes private cars more popular, public transport loses out – survey