Objective:

To determine the level of evidence on the probability of transmission of acute respiratory diseases on collective public transport.

Materials and methods:

We followed the Cochrane rapid review methodology. The search strategy encompasses one academic database until December 10, 2020.

Results:

16 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Pooling of cohort studies showed that the odd of seroconversion to influenza A or B was 54% greater in people with frequent use of public transport compared to people with infrequent use (odds ratio: 1.54; 95%CI: 1.06-2.01).

Conclusions:

The probability of contagion from acute respiratory diseases may increase with the use of public transport. Some recommendations to reduce the probability of contagion in collective public transport include the use of face masks, to avoid speaking or singing, and to reduce the number of passengers and the travel time.