Public transport travelling in a pandemic : Spatial differences in a changed travel pattern

The non-homogenous demographic distribution in the northern parts of Sweden complicates the conditions to operate well-functioning public transport. The accessibility varies between bigger cities and smaller towns. Because of the covid-19 outbreak, one may see how the changed travel patterns vary geographically. This thesishas examined how the daily travel with bus in the region of Västerbotten have changed because of the covid-19 pandemic. Six bus lines in the region are examined based on the categories: short-, mid-range- and long travel distances. A comparison in travel volume between these lines are done, one week before the pandemic compared with the same week one year after. The comparison is based on ticket type and travel distance. The study shows that the decrease of travels with bus in the region of Västerbotten is more noticeable on shorter travel distances, where the regular travel volume also is higher. A decrease is in that way clearer in areas with higher population density. At mid-range distances, there is a less prominent decrease in travel volume compared to short and long travel distances. Meanwhile, the change in travels depending on ticket type shows that season tickets have decreased the most. The variation between agesshows that limited travel patterns affect older generations more. The spatial variation of travels in the region highlights eventual future problems with the provision of public transport. Areas where the travel volume were low before the pandemic, now has even lower volumes. This complicates the main role of public transport, to maintain aregional cohesion and provide well-functioning transport service to all citizens.