4 predictions for post-COVID mobility: Deloitte

Source: Smart Cities Dive Published: July 17,2020

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has prompted a slowdown in the global automotive industry, resulting in "significant challenges" that lie ahead, according to new research by Deloitte. In a report, the firm said everyone in the automotive supply chain is "feeling the pressure" of the disruptive pandemic and recovery will take time, even as local jurisdictions start to reopen.

Smart Cities Dive caught up with Joe Vitale, report co-author and Global Automotive Sector leader within Deloitte's Consumer industry, to outline four key takeaways on the future of mobility.

1. Shared mobility will recover from rider anxiety

A major concern facing city leaders is whether public transportation and other shared mobility modes will recover from the pandemic, which spurred social distancing orders and health fears that led to dramatic falls in ridership. Many public transit leaders fear that ridership will not rebound as people continue to stay away, opting instead for personal vehicles.

Despite these concerns, Vitale said there will be many consumers who return to shared transportation services in time.