Gender mainstreaming in public transport refers to the integration of gender equality considerations into all aspects of transport planning, design, and operation. It aims to address the distinct mobility needs and experiences of different genders, particularly women and gender minorities, ensuring that public transport systems are inclusive and equitable. Public transport systems often reflect gender inequalities, with women, for example, facing unique challenges related to safety, access, and affordability. Gender mainstreaming seeks to identify and mitigate these challenges by considering how gender impacts transport use, from route planning to vehicle design and service provision. Ensuring equal access to transport can improve mobility, increase economic participation, and enhance social equity.

Key challenges

• Safety and security concerns: Women and gender minorities often face higher risks of harassment and violence while using public transport, particularly at night or in isolated areas.
• Accessibility for women with children or caregiving responsibilities: The need for transport services that cater to parents, caregivers, and those with dependents.
• Affordability and economic barriers: Gender disparities in income mean women, particularly in low-income households, may struggle with high transport costs.
• Design biases: Public transport systems often reflect male-dominated design norms that overlook women’s mobility patterns or needs, such as proximity to schools, healthcare, or retail areas.
• Underrepresentation in decision-making: A lack of gender-diverse representation in transport planning and policy development can perpetuate gender-blind transport systems.

Common practices

• Gender-sensitive transport planning: Conducting gender analysis to identify how transport systems affect women, men, and gender minorities differently and incorporating these insights into planning and policy-making.
• Improved lighting and surveillance: Enhancing security through well-lit stations, security cameras, and emergency call points to address safety concerns, particularly for women.
• Flexible services: Developing transport solutions that cater to the needs of caregivers and parents, such as priority seating, childcare-friendly services, or flexible scheduling.
• Consultation with diverse communities: Engaging with gender minorities and advocacy groups to better understand their needs and incorporate their perspectives into transport design.
• Gender-sensitive pricing policies: Offering discounts or subsidies that account for gendered economic disparities, ensuring affordability for women in low-income groups.

Relevance to public transport and UPPER

Gender mainstreaming in public transport ensures that systems are inclusive and meet the needs of all users. By considering gender in transport planning, public transport becomes safer, more accessible, and more equitable, which aligns with UPPER’s goals of promoting sustainable, inclusive mobility solutions.

Source: EGUM Recommendations on making Public Transport more inclusive and accessible, European Institute for Gender Equality and EIT Urban Mobility.