Technology is a double-edged sword. The same transportation technologies that improved travel efficiency and brought the world closer, have ironically facilitated the record-breaking spread of Covid-19 and in a way, driven people apart. In this modern day, it is easy for a person to traverse multiple continents within 24 hours, mixing with many people along the way during journeys. In hindsight, it is evident that disease prevention and pandemic management technologies were not developed with a consideration of the potential impacts that enclosed, heavily populated and constrained transportation vehicles might facilitate the communication of disease. We are in fact, still figuring this out.

Covid-19 has indelibly transformed the way society thinks and interacts. Extended lockdowns around the world have compelled most people to work from home. And while some may perceive this as temporary, the emerging sensibility is that social distancing and even semi-lockdowns will continue over the foreseeable future to safeguard public health. Transportation Agencies will have to adopt smarter strategies to support public health policies which will be needed worldwide for the next two to three years, and may become the new norm. Moving forward, it is necessary to take a holistic view of transportation systems, and better account for public health.