Impact of COVID-19 on Texas Rural Transit Districts with Emphasis on their Older Adult Riders

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic presented rural transit districts (RTDs) challenges in providing services to riders, but also led to opportunities. This study’s objectives are to gain insight on the effect of COVID-19 on older adult RTD ridership, and gain an understanding of how RTDs were affected by and are adapting to the health crisis. Leaders from 30 of the 36 Texas RTDs completed an online questionnaire with 26 agreeing to participate in a semi-structured interview concerning the impact of COVID-19 on their district. Few differences are found between the responses of RTDs. RTDs followed recommended guidelines and implemented heightened cleaning standards that most leaders felt will likely remain in place for the future. Main information sources for responding to the pandemic were local health officials, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and other transit districts. Most RTDs projected a financial loss because of the pandemic but received additional funding to help cope with the pandemic. RTDs believe their older adults may be suffering from social isolation but older adults are appreciative of their efforts. Many RTDs developed contactless payment methods, although they were divided on the future role of new technologies. Incorporating RTDs into disaster and pandemic planning increases rural areas’ resiliency and ability to respond to disasters and pandemics lessening the effect of these events on rural populations and communities.