Analysis of the economic and labor impact on the foreign passenger transportation sector in Comitán of Domínguez

Abstract

The negative impact on the labor market during the COVID-19 pandemic was significant, with 12.5 million jobs lost between March and April 2020. Key sectors such as accommodation, food services, retail trade, and transportation experienced drastic declines in employment. The primary goal of the "new normal" was to ensure the gradual recovery of public health, daily life, and economic activity while minimizing the risk of the virus.

This research analyzes the economic impact on four public transport companies in the face of the new normal, focusing on the costs involved in sanitization protocols and examining drivers' behaviors when applying health measures to reduce passenger and driver contagion. A field study was conducted using observation guides and interviews with drivers from four foreign transport routes (Comitan-Comalapa and Comitan-Tuxtla Gutierrez), with 41 drivers surveyed. Results showed that despite the sanitary measures, the transport sector managed to maintain stable economic income by running three trips per day, with 46% of respondents fully utilizing their vehicle capacity. Additionally, 71% of drivers disinfected their vehicles after each trip, but 56% allowed passengers to board without face masks.