UC Davis

This study investigates the use of gender-sensitive planning practices in public transit systems, addressing the disparities in travel behaviors between men and women. Women typically engage in shorter, more complex trips due to caregiving and household responsibilities and often face additional challenges such as safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure for strollers and belongings. This research investigates current transit design practices and agency policies through the lens of gender-inclusivity. To achieve this goal, this research employs a qualitative case study approach, including interviews with staff from nine transit agencies to learn their present and future practices, and an analysis of five transit design and operations manuals to study their recommendations and standards. Key findings reveal progress in gender-sensitive data collection and design initiatives, even as significant barriers, including resource limitations, resistance to change, and infrastructural constraints, remain. While agencies like LA Metro, SEPTA, and WMATA have made notable advancements, the explicit incorporation of gender-sensitive principles in widely used transit design manuals is often lacking. The study concludes that continued commitment and innovation are essential to overcoming existing barriers and enhancing gender-inclusivity in transit systems, offering valuable insights for agencies aiming to create equitable and inclusive transportation environments.