UK public transport downturn to continue after pandemic ends

More than half of users will walk or cycle instead of taking buses and trains, Co-op survey finds

Over half of public transport users in the UK say they will continue to avoid buses and trains after the pandemic is over in favour of cycling or walking, a study of consumer spending reveals.

The Co-op's annual ethical consumerism report, which has monitored ethical spending habits for over 20 years, this year singles out public transport as the biggest loser" of changed spending priorities due to Covid-19, with users reluctant to jump back onto buses and trains because of the threat to their personal space.