The transport policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

This chapter reviews the range of transport policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary focus is on responses in England but comparative perspectives are provided with the devolved administration in Scotland where divergence is becoming increasingly evident. In July 2021, with just under one-half of the population having received two vaccine doses, social distancing restrictions have largely been lifted. Continued high levels of infection are influencing a slow return to work, with ongoing implications for the viability of public transport. The chapter reflects on the policy interventions to date and looks ahead to the key challenges for the months and years ahead. In particular, the chapter focusses on public transport. While huge amounts of public funding have been used to support public transport; it seems inevitable that there will need to be a readjustment in patterns of supply given the changing nature of work and business travel.