Making Public Transit Safer for Women: A Path to Inclusive Mobility

Public transit is crucial to urban mobility, providing millions of people access to employment, education, healthcare, and social opportunities. However, for women, transit systems often present unique challenges, particularly concerning safety. Women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe while using public transportation. These concerns affect their travel habits, impose economic burdens, and limit mobility. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive, gender-responsive approach to ensure that transit systems are inclusive, accessible, and safe for all.

Understanding the Gender Gap in Transit Safety

Women rely more heavily on public transportation than men, yet they frequently face harassment, violence, and other safety risks while commuting. Many adopt precautionary strategies such as altering their routes, avoiding certain times of day, or opting for more expensive transportation alternatives like taxis or ride-sharing services. Studies have shown that after dark, many women feel compelled to switch from public transit to private transport, fearing the risks associated with poorly lit stations, empty platforms, or unmonitored transit areas.

Additionally, women’s mobility patterns are shaped by caregiving responsibilities, often requiring them to make multiple stops, travel with children, or carry heavy bags. These factors and safety concerns mean that women frequently incur higher transportation costs, heightening economic inequalities.

Designing Safer Transit for Women

Cities and transit authorities worldwide are beginning to recognize that gender-informed policies can significantly improve women’s commuting experiences. By prioritizing safety and accessibility, public transportation can become a more reliable and appealing option. Here are several recommendations that can make a tangible difference:

1. Enhanced Security Measures

• Brighter station lighting to reduce dark or secluded areas where harassment may occur.
• More visible surveillance through security cameras and real-time monitoring to deter inappropriate behavior.
• Platform markings indicating conductor or security personnel locations, providing easy access to assistance if needed.
• Increased staffing of women in frontline roles, such as bus drivers, security officers, and conductors, to create a more balanced transit environment.

2. Technology-Driven Safety Solutions

• Trip-planning apps with safety features, such as routing walks along well-lit streets and providing real-time safety alerts.
• Emergency alert systems on buses and trains that allow passengers to discreetly notify authorities of unsafe situations.
• Multilingual resources and communication tools to assist those with hearing or visual impairments in seeking help when needed.

3. Infrastructure Improvements

• Elevators, wider entry gates, and designated family areas to better accommodate women traveling with children or carrying heavy loads.
• Safe waiting areas and designated spaces within transit hubs where women can find assistance or wait with others in well-lit, monitored environments.
• Shared mobility options designed with women in mind, such as bikes and scooters with storage for bags or tandem designs for children.

4. Equitable and Affordable Fare Structures

• Family fares that allow for single payments when traveling with children, making public transit more financially accessible for caregivers.
• Reduced fares for off-peak hours, encouraging safer travel options during times when fewer people are commuting.

5. Data-Driven Policy Decisions

• Gender-specific transportation data to help policymakers understand how different groups experience transit systems and to shape future infrastructure and service improvements accordingly.
• Community engagement initiatives, empowering women to voice their concerns and collaborate in developing safer transit strategies.

A Call to Action for Transit Operators and Policymakers

By making public transit safer and more accessible for women, cities can foster greater economic mobility and social inclusion. Gender-informed transportation planning is not just about safety—it’s about equity. Investing in these initiatives benefits women and the broader community by creating a more welcoming and efficient transit environment for everyone.

Keolis is committed to supporting efforts that prioritize safety, accessibility, and innovation in public transit. By working together with policymakers, urban planners, and transit users, we can create a system where everyone, regardless of gender, feels secure and empowered to travel freely.