The transport industry has borne the brunt of the devastating effects of the global pandemic. For a period this year, industries that relied on transportation services experienced a standstill. Projects plateaued, and negotiations seemed to reach an impasse. Events, left and right, were postponed, and several jobs were lost.
Today, we have reached a point where we gradually ease into our new normal. The transportation sector continues to brave the new daily challenges that COVID-19 has on ridership, business operations, public and private transportation, and revenue generation.
Unlike during the first few months of the pandemic, the future of transportation can be anticipated. This can be achieved by analyzing the present situation. As we welcome the second half of 2020, we paint a picture of what the landscape of the transportation industry will look like next year and catch a glance at how 2021 will look for sectors that work together with transport service providers.
5G Technology
Also known as 5th Generation Mobile Network, it is the latest network developed to enable better and efficient connectivity- including remote human connections, machines, devices, and even simple day to day objects. 5G technology is a hundred times faster than 4G transmitting data in real-time.
When integrated into the current transportation infrastructure, this network will augment visibility and enable efficient control over transportation systems. It will improve communication and help support several types of communication and accessibility for transportation companies– enhancing their services.
These can include vehicle to vehicle communication and in improving how vehicles respond to transport infrastructures such as road sensors, bridges, toll gates, and traffic lights.
Health Measures In Transportation
Supplemental health safety protocols will continue to be in place for all transport services. This involves regular disinfecting and testing of vehicles used in operations, developing consistent health protocols for transport personnel including drivers and passengers, and finally developing operational plans for customers in boarding and riding transport services safely.
Necessary modifications on seating arrangements and waiting and loading areas will be ensured to accommodate passengers’ physical distancing. And just like today, vehicles will be only allowed a limited number of passengers at a time. Transport service providers will continue to develop transportation plans that integrate health and safety guidelines.
See also: New COVID-19 Safety Precautions
Better Customer Experience
The benefits of technological innovation and stringent health and safety transport measures, ultimately, return to end customers. Transport service providers such as transportation consultants are able to bring better customer service, thus improving customer experience.
If we turn our attention to providing transport services for events, customer experience becomes a key factor in the success of any event undertaking. With 2021 possibly exploring methods of conducting safer large-scale gatherings, transportation will take on a pivotal role in its success.
Overall, the transportation industry will remain resilient for many years to come. Technology will continuously evolve, and standards will be too. But one thing will remain in the global transport industry – the effort to deliver better customer experience.
