Navigating public transport during a pandemic: Key lessons on travel behavior and social equity from two surveys in Tehran

This study examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mobility system in Tehran, Iran, and provides lessons and insights to enhance readiness for similar circumstances in the future. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Tehran, before and towards the end of the pandemic. The study utilizes descriptive analyses and econometric modeling to investigate the frequency of use of different modes of transportation during the two periods and the changes in the willingness to use these modes due to the pandemic, in relation to sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors and pandemic-related measures. The findings indicate that public transport, and by extension collective line taxis, experienced a decline in their modal share while private car share increased particularly as passengers. Contrary to the globally observed trend, the ridership of active modes remained stable, while motorbike usage doubled during the same period. Gender and income were found to strongly influence behavior during the pandemic. Women and the elderly were less likely to use public transport, while users who continued to use public transport were primarily low-income men with little to none telecommuting options. The study recommends context-specific policy interventions including investing in ICT and active transport infrastructure, as well as promoting electric mobility, primarily for two-wheelers.