The COVID-19 Public Transport Capacity Model: a policy supporting instrument for optimizing the corona capacity of public transport

Goal The COVID-19 pandemic has major consequences for public transport. In this project, a new public transport model for public transport in Twente has been developed. The model optimizes bus transport based on, among other things, the number of travelers and the costs of using buses. The effects of the pandemic have been examined for different traveler groups, time periods (peak, off-peak), routes and locations. Results Applications of the model show that it is possible for the examined bus lines in Twente to meet the more limited transport demand during the pandemic (April 2020 level) when all seats on the buses are available. Furthermore, public transport in Twente can be organized more efficiently during the pandemic by limiting the transport supply outside rush hours and shifting transport demand during the morning rush hour by changing the start times of physical educational activities in higher education.