The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has urged governments around the world to ‘ramp up’ efforts to support road transport operators to help aid a ‘broader financial and social recovery.

According to the Union, passenger transport operator revenues have been decimated by up to 100% during the confinement period, compared to the same period in 2019, according to new research by the IRU. This ranges from 50% for urban bus, up to 80% for scheduled intercity services, and up to 100% for tourist and cross-border coach services.

“All over the world, commercial road transport companies, including millions of small and medium-sized firms, are struggling,” said Umberto de Pretto, IRU Secretary General. “Their most pressing problem is liquidity and many are now on the brink of bankruptcy, with financial difficulties expected to continue at least until 2022.”

“Transport companies cannot be instantly switched-on as they require qualified safety and operational skills. Operator bankruptcies put the recovery of an entire economy at risk, as well as the steady return to social and community interaction.”

The IRU has presented key short-term measures for governments, international organisations and banks to keep road transport operators in business and supply and mobility chains running efficiently. These include providing direct cash grants to road transport companies as temporary aid and facilitating access to loans.