Vocabulary:
- impose /im-POHZ/
- electrification /ih-LEK-tri-fi-KEY-shuhn/
- platform /PLAT-fawrm/
- fret /fret/
- aviation /ey-vee-EY-shuhn/
[verb] — to establish something as a rule to be obeyed
Social distancing is imposed in all affected countries around the world in an effort to reduce the chance of infection.
[noun] — the process of making a machine or system operate using electricity when it did not before
One of the local government’s projects is the electrification of railways.
[noun] — a particular computer technology that can be used with some types of software programs but not with others
The initial launching of the banking platform will be suspended until further notice.
[verb] — to be nervous or worried
It’s okay to fret about the possibility of getting the virus, but remember to always follow safety precautions.
[noun] — the business of designing and manufacturing aircraft
Aviation industries continue to feel the negative effects of the pandemic.
Do you have any alternatives? Here are some options that will benefit you as an employee and to escape “rush hour peaks”.
1. Invest on an electric scooter
In some places around the world like Los Angeles or Paris, e-scooters are a norm. E-scooters run over two to four miles of ride with a speed of 10mph, which is faster than e-bikes. E-scooter firm chief executive Adam Norris said, “Electrification is coming – it’s a low cost, low impact transport.” In the UK, e-scooters are only allowed on private lands, but Norris believes that it’s time to have a change in the law. With high-vis clothing and models with larger wheels, safety is sure to improve.
2. No parking? No problem
People nowadays would like to have different alternatives in travelling during this pandemic. A platform that allows owners to rent in-car parks settles to turn the 300 garage areas into scooters and bicycle storage. According to Anthony Eskinazi who manages the platform, Just Park, there might be a surge of parking demands after lockdown since car owners won’t prefer using private vehicles for very long. Researchers will observe an increase in micro-mobility if the management will promote this project as planned.
3. Grab a cab
Drivers still continue to transport, acknowledge calls from their customers, and receive a small amount of payment. Do not fret, however, as cab drivers are fully equipped with their PPE gloves and face masks, and they are required to clean the interiors of the vehicle in between passengers.. Still, Milanesi wonders how the companies will gain the trust of commuters that both the driver and passenger are safe during the ride. In response, Uber plans to accommodate a new setup where drivers are mandated to take and post selfies, and to validate if they are clothed by masks during work.
4. Flying taxis
If you’re left with no other options, how about trying a flying taxi? It may not be the best option for now, though, because there have been 175 drone taxis designs yet none are in normal service in any country. It is still very convenient to have flying taxis, but the coronavirus will most likely hinder their development rather than improve it. An aerospace engineering professor also mentioned that “The meltdown going on in the airlines is probably going to drag down the whole aviation industry.”
Comprehension Questions:
- What are the four transportation alternatives mentioned in the article?
- According to Professor Travers, what is the simplest way in regards to transportation?
- What is being converted into scooters and bicycle storage as mentioned in the article?
- What is the last preference for a passenger if all options fail?
- What is mandated to cab drivers to comply during work?
Discussion Questions:
- Are the alternatives mentioned in the article being implemented in your country? Kindly tell me more.
- What can be the benefits of these preferences to an employee?
- In your opinion, what are the other alternatives to travel back to the office after this pandemic?
- Which mode of transportation is the most efficient to travel to work and why?
- Kindly share the transportation situation in Japan during the pandemic.