"Use it or not?" Shared Mobility Becomes a Burden Amid New Coronavirus Impact

On the afternoon of the 2nd, an electric scooter was placed near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia), people’s anxiety about using scooters is increasing. Companies have stepped up preventive measures such as enhanced disinfection. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

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[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I do use it when it's really urgent, but I still feel a bit reluctant."

Recently, as the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) is spreading worldwide and concerns about infection are growing, people using shared mobility services are also feeling anxious. There are worries that confirmed COVID-19 patients might have used electric scooters or that someone who was in the same route as a confirmed patient might have used them.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, office worker A (35), whom we met near Gwanghwamun Square in Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "I use hand sanitizer, but I don't feel reassured."

Another office worker in his 30s, B, said, "No matter how well I manage, if the person who used the scooter before me is at risk of infection, it won't help," adding, "I don't think I will use scooters much when such an epidemic is widespread."

Office worker C in his 40s said, "I don't think there's much difference in infection risk between scooters and public transportation," and added, "I hope the COVID-19 situation calms down soon."

An electric shared bicycle placed near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the afternoon of the 2nd. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

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Given this situation, various shared mobility service industries such as car-sharing vehicles and electric scooters are preparing preventive measures to strengthen hygiene, including placing hand sanitizers.

A car-sharing company has established COVID-19 prevention measures for safe vehicle use by customers and has been fully implementing them since the 31st of last month.

An electric scooter service provider stated that after washing scooters daily, they perform a second disinfection using a strong disinfectant. They recommend users to wash their hands with soap under running water after using the scooter and to wear masks whenever possible during use.

General public transportation facilities are also actively taking preventive measures. Hand sanitizers and masks have been placed in all Seoul subway stations. Additionally, the disinfection of areas frequently touched by passengers and ticket gates has increased from once a day to once or twice a day.

On the afternoon of the 29th of last month, masks were provided at City Hall Station Line 1 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Not only subways but also bus companies have strengthened their response to prevent the novel coronavirus. Over 7,400 city buses in Seoul have hand sanitizers installed, and each bus distributes 100 masks daily.

Nevertheless, citizens' anxiety remains. Office worker D in his 40s said, "It seems that scooter operating companies and others are managing carefully," but added, "I can't help feeling uneasy. I think the only way is for me to be more thorough in managing myself."

Experts emphasized that cleanliness is the most important factor during an epidemic. They especially advised that washing hands thoroughly with running water for 30 seconds after using public transportation is the most important preventive measure.

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