If there is one word that will go down in history when we talk about 2020, it is undoubtedly “coronavirus”. So far this year, rivers of ink have been written about Covid-19, and we all know that, unfortunately, there is still plenty to discuss. This also applies to road passenger transport, one of the sectors most affected by this crisis.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with two of the leading experts in this sector in our country: Jesús Herrero, general secretary of Atuc, and Rafael Barbadillo, president of Confebus. As could be expected, the impact of Covid-19 and the measures to be taken for recovery were the two main central issues of our interviews.
Now, with summer in full swing, the recovery of the transport sector is even more pressing. With tourism (which contributes 12.5% of national GDP) seriously disrupted, the Ministry of Tourism has developed a health protocol against COVID-19 to minimize the risk of contagion by the virus in tourist transport, essential for guaranteeing the safety of travelers and workers and, undoubtedly, the first step towards the sector’s recovery.
But first, let’s look at some data that shows the depth of this crisis.
A Hard Blow to Road Passenger Transport
According to data from the IRU, the world organization for road transport, a 57% decrease in annual turnover for the sector is estimated across Europe for 2020.
If this figure is already alarming in itself, the scenario becomes even darker when we look at the case of Spain: losses would reach up to 70%. In this way, we are among the four most affected European countries, along with Bulgaria, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The story behind these numbers is known to all: strict restrictions on public transport and general mobility, as well as the prohibition of international travel.
While urban or interurban mobility was severely limited during the quarantine, some essential travel was permitted. However, with the practically total suspension of tourism and all the businesses that revolve around it, the blow to tourist transport has been the hardest within the entire sector.
Measures to Reduce Contagion in Coaches and Tourist Buses
Without safety guarantees, the recovery of tourist transport is not possible. Faced with the threats of fear of contagion and loss of control over the pandemic, there are a series of measures that all involved companies must implement with absolute rigor.
One of the critical points is the complete cleaning and disinfection of vehicles, which must be carried out after each service under safe conditions for the cleaning staff.
Another reference document delves into this: the “Protocol for cleaning and disinfection for public road passenger transport”, prepared by the Directorate-General for Land Transport and the Directorate-General for Public Health, Quality, and Innovation. In this document, we find detailed guidelines on the cleaning and disinfection tasks to be carried out on the bus: the most suitable products and their correct application; measures for the safety of cleaning staff; and, of course, guidelines for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and stations.
On the other hand, companies must provide themselves with all the necessary material resources for risk reduction and, periodically, must carry out maintenance work, verifying the functionality of the equipment installed as a preventive measure against the contagion and spread of COVID-19.
In the case of coaches and tourist buses, these are the specific measures outlined by the Ministry of Tourism:
- Avoid the use of the jump seat and the first row of seats, as they are passageways and are close to the driver. In any case, the provisions of the competent authorities regarding the maximum occupancy of vehicles must be heeded.
- Establish the necessary procedures to avoid passenger crowds when boarding or alighting the vehicle. Passengers will enter the vehicle through the rear door, maintaining interpersonal distance as much as possible.
- If passengers disembark and re-embark on the same vehicle (organized trip with intermediate stops), they will sit in the same seat; for this purpose, the identification/numbering of the seats must be visible.
- If headphones are provided, they will be disposable.
At Catrosua, we recommend reading these documents in full to ensure the safety of workers and users.
Because, with everyone’s commitment, we will overcome this crisis.
Cover photo: https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/professional-chemical-cleaning-exterminator-bus-disinfection-1695308227
