A UK study by Auto Trader shows that nearly half (48 per cent) of public transport users surveyed say they’ll be less likely to use it once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
The study covered 3000 people in three separate surveys, covering different demographics. It was conducted April 14-19.
“Transport distancing” was even more of a concern for younger customers, with 66 per cent of 18-24 year-olds saying public transport was now less appealing.
Over half of the total survey group thought that owing a vehicle will be more important in the future. For those living in a city centre – theoretically more dependent on public transport – this increased to 64 per cent.
Of those asked about their current car ownership, 74 per cent said they were now more concerned about having that personal space. Over half of licence holders surveyed who don’t currently own a car said that Covid-19 has made them consider a vehicle purchase as soon as possible.
Our research highlights just how profound an impact Covid-19 has had on consumer attitudes towards transport,” says Catherine Faiers, chief operating officer of Auto Trader.
A quarter of those surveyed who were researching their next car still intended to purchase as soon as they were able to make the transaction. Just over half said they were delaying the purchase until later in the year, but only two per cent said they had decided not to purchase as a result of Covid-19.
The majority were still comfortable with funding their next vehicle. Only 16 per cent said they were “feeling apprehensive” about being able to afford their next car before June 2020.
Faiers: “Once restrictions have been lifted, we believe the market could see an uptick in demand as we’ve seen in China, and are seeing early signs of in Germany.”