A national pandemic has the power to rearrange everyone’s priorities. Grocery shopping isn’t a daily trip anymore. Happy hours and movies are all enjoyed from the comfort of home now. Ridesharing is hardly considered an option.
Companies like Uber and Lyft have shut down offices and laid off employees in response to major profit losses. Will people go back to life as it once was when quarantines are lifted? There could be a long-term shift in the trusts and fears of the general population. We may see fewer people trusting rideshares and public transportation. Car ownership may increase to avoid riding in shared spaces. Six months ago, rideshares and public transportation were on a path to take over road travel. Let’s take a look at where everything is now, and how it could affect community parking.
What will COVID do for the future of personal travel?
An IBM study released May 1 found that “COVID-19 is significantly altering U.S. consumer behavior and plans post-crisis.” In April, over 25,000 U.S. adults were surveyed to find out how COVID-19 has affected perspectives on various issues. The study found that there’s been a serious shift in consumer attitudes toward public transportation. Over 20% of respondents who once regularly used buses, subways, or trains now said they wouldn’t any longer. 28% said they’ll probably use public transportation less often.
When it comes to rideshare apps and services, more than 50% of the respondents said they would either use them less or stop completely. If you didn’t catch that the first time, over half of those 25,000 people don’t intend to continue using rideshare apps and services. On the other hand, as remote work continues post-quarantine, many people may have less need for regular transportation.
The IBM study also found that 1 in 4 people surveyed said they’ll solely use their personal vehicles going forward as a result of COVID-19. A cars.com survey of 3,021 people from ages 23 to 73 found that 17% of consumers are being swayed towards purchasing personal vehicles. 43% of those surveyed said it’s to avoid public transportation and another 28% claim it’s a distrust of the cleanliness of other peoples’ cars. The general consensus of these studies seems to be a shift in loyalty from rideshares to personal vehicles. It will take time to recover the trust people have in public transportation.
How does this affect your community?
It seems that rideshare and public transportation won’t be taking over personal mobility as soon as everyone expected. Many are looking to buy cars in order to avoid public transportation, meaning more residents with cars. Remote work is likely to continue in popularity as companies and employees see the benefits of working from home, resulting in more resident vehicles parked at your community during the day. Ride share and public transportation will pick back up again eventually in densely populated areas. Until they do, effective parking management will continue to be an important part of a well-run community.
With Parking Boss, you can verify resident vehicles with Smart Decals and limit the number each household has on the property. If more people begin to buy cars, you’ll want to provide equal opportunity for everyone to park. With virtual parking permits and vehicle registration, it’s easy to maintain social distancing while still managing your parking. Take control of parking and keep the peace among those who park in your community. Don’t miss the chance to create a good parking experience for residents, guests, and staff.
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