2024-05-04 10:00:00
In Washington, the US capital, where working from home became the norm even following the coronavirus pandemic ended, difficulties managing the subway, building vacancy rates and restaurant closures became major problems. Crime rates have also increased in urban areas where the number of people has decreased. Experts point out that the problems emerging in the post-coronavirus era are “serious problems common to urban areas across the United States.” (Washington Ryuji Suzuki, also pictured)
◆You can sit comfortably even during peak hours
When I visited a downtown subway station during rush hour on a weekday morning, there were no lines on the platform and the trains were noticeably empty. A commuter said: “Before coronavirus we had to queue for the next train, but now we can sit comfortably. »
The rail network, which connects Washington and its two neighboring states via subways and other means, is a major transportation artery, with an average of regarding 500,000 people traveling each day before the coronavirus. However, in 2020 and 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of people decreased significantly to 100,000 people. Even in 2022 and 2023, when the infection was under control, the number of people remained at the level of 200,000, or between 40 and 60%.
According to a national survey, 25% of Washington workers continued to work from home in 2022, significantly higher than the rate of regarding 5% before the coronavirus. Many white-collar workers in government agencies and businesses still work remotely from home.
◆ Business lunches disappeared and violent incidents increased by 40%
Without commuters, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which runs subways and other services, is in dire straits. In 2023, the company announced significant station closures, reduced service, fare increases and restructuring measures. In response to negative user reactions, the service is expected to be continued for the time being with increased public financial support, but there are few positives. Companies continue to leave prime office buildings in Washington because they no longer need staff offices or conference rooms. According to a survey by a major real estate company, the vacancy rate at the end of 2023 exceeded 20%.
A notice in a pizzeria announcing its closure due to a decrease in customers due to an increase in people working from home.
Restaurants that catered to businessmen’s demand for lunches and drinking parties were hit hard. According to a survey by a Washington industry group, in total, regarding 100 stores have closed in 2022 and 2023. A pizzeria that closed last year still carries a sign that reads: “Due to Work Shift remotely, we are no longer able to continue operating. We did our best. »
Furthermore, it was pointed out that there is a connection between the serious deterioration of security in Washington and the decrease in the number of people walking on the streets. In 2023, violent incidents, including murders and robberies, increased by regarding 40% from the previous year, and the number of car thefts reached nearly 1,000. Public concern is so strong that at one point it was considered moving the headquarters of the Wizards, where professional NBA basketball player Rui Hachimura (Lakers) played as a rookie, to a neighboring state.
◆“Rethinking the unique charm of cities”
In downtown Washington, many stores are vacant due to restaurant closures.
The Biden administration has taken into account the negative effects of working from home and is urging government agencies to increase the number of employees working from home, but the effect has been limited.
“We now live in a time where flexible working styles are the norm.” A 43-year-old man who works for an IT consulting firm in Washington would travel to a client’s government agency four days a week before the coronavirus, but now he works mostly online from home and rarely visits at work. “It is more efficient because there is no wasted time traveling back and forth,” he said, adding: “Many people who choose to work from home feel burdened by the high costs daycares, pet sitters, etc.”
Regarding the spread of working from home, Shari Pochet, assistant professor of urban economics at Georgetown University, says: “Most large cities are looking for solutions because their city centers have not regained their vitality. » Policies aimed at reducing public transport operations in response to a decline in commuter numbers will cause further stagnation in services and other sectors, leading to a vicious cycle in which tax revenues decline. “Before coronavirus, business was the focus of the city, but we need to develop the unique appeal of cities, such as entertainment and social interaction.”
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