Studying 3,000 Aussies, TransGrid’s Urban Mobility Trends Report found that 22% of respondents expected to decrease their use of public transport even after COVID-19.
8% more people within metropolitan areas plan to drive to work daily post-pandemic.
Bell Resources envisages high demand for EVs
Bell Resources, an Australian owned and operated start-up, aims to supply sustainable energy and resources to the Electronic Vehicle and ride-sharing markets in Australia and USA.
Bell Resource’s CEO Mark Avery believes the shifting advice around restricted areas and rising case numbers mean more Australians are finding alternatives to commute daily.
“What we have seen is the rise of EV sales in Australia with almost 9,000 already sold this year and expected to hit 25,000 plus by next year as more and more Australians turn to private vehicle use during the pandemic and make the switch to a zero emissions future.”
“Public transport has declined 80% in ridership since COVID-19 hit, particularly with the current lockdown measures and people do not feel safe without a pandemic plan,” Mr Avery said.
TransGrid’s report concluded the leading cause for public transport’s decreasing popularity is safety fears, with trains and buses taking a 72% nosedive in daily users across Australian cities.
Research from Roy Morgan found that movement levels in the two largest cities of Sydney and Melbourne remain at only a fraction of pre-pandemic levels in late August as both cities endure extended Winter lockdowns which are set to continue well into September and even October.
In late August, average movement levels in the Sydney CBD were at only 12% of pre-pandemic averages and at only 13% of pre-pandemic levels in the Melbourne CBD.
Movement in both cities is slightly above the record low of 8% reached in late July.
Uber with Accenture revealed in a report that two years on from the start of the pandemic, total ridership figures were still in significant decline due to COVID-19 fears and restrictions.
Total active Uber rideshare workers in Australia were 25% below pre-COVID levels in 2019, meaning a significant decrease in revenue with major losses to their mobility segment.
Bell Resources to disrupt ridesharing and EV markets
Bell Resources aims to introduce Bell Hub Central to carwashes and purpose-built facilities as a one-stop-shop for Australia’s ridesharing, electric and autonomous vehicle market.
Bell Hubs will offer ultra-fast EV charging as well as deep cleaning services of sensors, cameras, and interiors in compliance with Bell’s COVID-safety and standard protocols.
“During the pandemic we’ve seen the rising use of online delivery services, including Coles and Woolworths, brands like UberEats and Deliveroo as well as Amazon and AustraliaPost.”
“These services are becoming more and more essential for Australians during lockdown and it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing them using EVs and autonomous vehicles.”
“EV and autonomous vehicles include Google’s Waymo which is already used at a commercial scale in overseas markets and Apple’s Project Titan which aims to be launched by 2024.”
However, what each of them will require is a single, comprehensive cleaning and charging solution that can keep pace with the changing dynamics of a pandemic-driven environment.”
“The average EV has eight surround cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors and for them to function at peak performance they need to be regularly cleaned,” Avery explained.
Bell Resources are also driving the future
Bell Hubs will work closely with local ride-share operators and provide a superior solution as a partner of choice with the next fleet of vehicles coming through.
Bell Hub Central will kickstart a conversation amongst Australians to make the switch to EVs for safety and sustainability with plans for the first site to be unveiled in Q1 next year.
“At Bell, we’re driving Australia’s transition towards a green-led future and that future has to be consistent with a pandemic plan for the vehicles of tomorrow,” Avery said.
