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Abstract

Photo Source: Regional Transportation Commission of Southern NevadaIn 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created various economic, environmental, and social challenges, and public transportation was one of the primary and necessary services that were disrupted by the pandemic. Ridership demand decreased dramatically due to lockdown, many people working from home, and people at high risk of infections. In response to the negative impact of the pandemic on the transit agencies' service and food access, many agencies started a food delivery service. This study employed a mixed method approach with two national cross-sectional surveys (quantitative and qualitative) to evaluate food access in transit agencies' service areas. In addition, the study investigates the negative impact of the pandemic on transit agencies' operations and services and how the transit agencies responded to this interruption and decreased demand by providing a food delivery service. Results indicated that 57 of surveyed transit agencies provided food delivery years before the pandemic as one of their operational services to meet certain people's needs. Moreover, the results from both surveys and best practices were promising for better food access and support for the local food system.