Almost one in two public transport users admit they will be less likely to use these services once lockdown restrictions end. The new trend is being dubbed ‘transport distancing’.
The desire to switch away from public transport is even more pronounced amongst younger users, with two in three of 18-24 year olds claiming they’d be less likely to use it.
Research carried out by Auto Trader revealed that 56 percent of public transport users believe owning a car in the future will be more important.
The figure swelled further for those living in city centres, to 64 percent.
The survey of more than 3,000 people “highlights just how profound an impact Covid-19 has had on consumer attitudes towards transport,” said Auto Trader COO Catherine Faiers.
“It also confirms that the global pandemic will have far reaching consequences that last after the current restrictions have been lifted.”
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Almost three in four respondents revealed a greater desire for their own personal space following the coronavirus crisis.
Amongst those who have a driving licence but don’t own a car, 56 percent said the Covid-19 pandemic has made them consider buying a car when it’s safe to do so.
The Auto Trader research also showed that although there are fewer in-market car buyers right now, most still plan to eventually buy a car – they’re simply delaying it until later in the year.
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Only two percent of people say they have cancelled plans to buy a new car due to the coronavirus crisis.
And despite the current economic uncertainty, only 16 percent of potential car buyers are worried about how they’d afford it before the end of June 2020.
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