Role of Transport during Outbreak of Infectious Diseases: Evidence from the Past

Deepti Muley, Md. Shahin, Charitha Dias and Muhammad Abdullah
Additional contact information
Deepti Muley: Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
Md. Shahin: Department of Disaster Resilience and Engineering, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
Charitha Dias: Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
Muhammad Abdullah: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Management and Technology C-II, Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 18, 1-22

Abstract: The outbreak of infectious diseases affects people’s lifestyles significantly, as they undertake fewer outdoor activities as a protective measure and to follow government orders of restricted movements. This paper reviewed the scientific literature related to transport and infectious diseases to gain insights into managing such circumstances. The outcomes indicate that the transport sector has a two-fold role during the outbreak of infectious diseases: controlling the spread of infection and assessing the impact of reduced outdoor activities on the transport sector. It was found that local and international travel restrictions, if applied at the initial stages, are effective in controlling the spread of infectious disease; at a later stage, behavioral changes become prominent in limiting the spread. Further, the outbreaks resulted in a significant reduction in mobility, altering traffic patterns with lower peaks and improving traffic safety. The public transport mode share reduced considerably and people preferred cars and active modes. These changes also showed positive impacts on air pollution and water pollution. Further, the air transport and tourism sector were noted to be the hardest hit and will recover slowly. The outcomes from the review will be useful for planners and administrators in managing future emergency conditions better.

Keywords: infectious disease; pandemic; epidemic; transport effects; health emergencies; spread of diseases; traffic impacts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (17)

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