Travel patterns and mobility preferences changed dramatically in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). By the end of March 2020, global road transport activity almost halved from 2019 levels according to the International Energy Agency. Public transport and shared mobility were some of the hardest hit sectors, as many travellers were put off by contagion concerns, and those who could returned to the perceived safety of their own vehicles.

But such a shift is not sustainable and work quickly began on ways to make shared vehicles—be it buses or Ubers—safer for passengers. …