The Decline in the Number of Bus Users during COVID-19 : A Study of the Causes

Abstract

This study investigates the causes of the decline in the number of bus users during COVID-19 using integrated circuit (IC) card data of the Toyota City Oiden Bus. The number of bus users in April and May 2020 and February and March 2021 were investigated based on the population characteristics and layout of the facilities at bus stops. The results indicated that in February and March 2021, the number of bus users on holidays and travelling long distances was low. In addition, the number of bus trips to cultural facilities could be low. This suggests that people are refraining from using the bus for nonessential purposes. A short-term plan is necessary to meet the demand for short-distance travel. A long-term plan to restore bus usage to that in the pre-COVID era is also necessary to improve the city's liveliness and quality of life.