All Member Forum

 View Only

Looking Ahead

By Mr. Jeffrey Paniati P.E posted 07-01-2020 01:36 PM

  
As states and cities begin to “reopen,” there is a lot of discussion about what the post-COVID-19 world might look like. I think of it as happening in two stages—pre-vaccine and post-vaccine. It is clear that for the near-term, we will need to keep managing the risk of COVID-19, and the pandemic will continue to affect our lifestyles—and, in turn, transportation. Travel modes that have passengers in close proximity for extended periods of time have been the most impacted, and will have the hardest recovery. Work-from-
home (WFH), single occupant vehicle travel, and biking/walking will remain favored.

Are these short-term shifts, or will we see lasting changes? Does COVID-19 present an opportunity for us to rethink the allocation of space to these various modes? What can we
do to ensure that everyone can travel safely?

COVID-19 has forced many organizations with limited experience and tepid support for WFH to jump in with both feet. Previously reluctant CEOs now profess full support for
WFH. Are these statements made purely out of necessity, or will we see lasting changes? 

The answer could have a significant impact on our cities and transportation systems. It is estimated that 30 percent of all workers have jobs that allow them to work from home,
at least some of the time. Will a significant number of businesses conclude that it is more cost efficient to reduce the amount of office space they lease? For prospective employees, will WFH flexibility be a differentiator?

While some are quick to suggest that these changes are fleeting, and forecast that in a couple of years we will have gone right back to pre-COVID-19 conditions, I am not so sure. Though we need to be careful in making snap judgements, this feels different. Employees (myself included) who have gotten an extended taste of a work life free from
commuting will not be anxious to rush back to the office. I am not suggesting we will all be happy working from our home offices and “Zoom”ing all day long. We are social creatures, and I miss the opportunities to spontaneously brainstorm with colleagues or have casual conversation in the hallway. And I look forward to the day when we can
safely gather again at ITE meetings. There is no virtual replacement for the learning and relationship building that takes place outside of formal meeting rooms.

However, we may see a lasting shift in the percentage of work done at home. This could have significant implications on central city office occupancy rates; the viability of
supporting restaurants, shops, and other businesses; and the number of people traveling in and out of the central city.

Our goal is to bring you the latest information and facilitate discussions on these topics. I hope you have tuned into the great dialogues that have been taking place on the ITE
e-Community. At the upcoming virtual ITE Annual Meeting and Exhibit, COVID-19 impacts and implications will be woven throughout our program, beginning with our Opening
Plenary session. Gary Golden, a noted futurist, will forecast potential post-COVID-19 scenarios and examine their implications on transportation and on the workplace. Leaders
from across our profession will be discussing different aspects of our recovery and how it could impact our communities, profession, and jobs for years to come. I hope you will join us. As always, you can reach me at jpaniati@ite.org or on Twitter: @JPaniatiITE.
1 comment
12 views

Permalink

Comments

07-15-2020 12:36 AM

Jeff, in NZ we have seen more eating during lockdown but also more wlaking and biking locally near home. I think the latter will lead to greater number permanently exercising, since it seems too that WFH will become permanent to a certain extent especially for companies (Govt decreed all public servants to go back to work to add struggling inner city businesses).
Big increase in electric bike sales - had noticed more on trails over past year before covid-19 but others maybe buying for commute too?