Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on old-style LAMAT services in developing cities of Asia: The case study of Phnom Penh

Abstract

Urban mobility is likely to undergo significant changes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and future potential outbreaks. This study examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operational services of old-style LAMAT (i.e., Remork) drivers. The pandemic's influence was investigated using several analytical approaches—including mean comparison and regression analyses—which used data collected from an interview survey with 186 Remork drivers in Phnom Penh from December 25–28, 2020. The results indicated a negative influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livelihoods of Remork drivers; that is, the drivers' monthly income has substantially declined since the pandemic began (p < 0.01). The impacted drivers also expressed their difficulties during the pandemic and requested various forms of public support. This study provides different perspectives on analytical techniques to examine the possible influence of COVID-19 on society and offers guidance for relevant urban transport policies in response to the current pandemic and the new normal.