Women biggest users of public transport in India: World Bank report

 

• Report says 45.4% of women walk to work compared to 27.4% of men

A World Bank report states that the largest users of public transport in India are women. As per the report, 84% of women's travel was estimated to be by public transport.

The report, 'Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces in India' also looked at the travel patterns of men and women. As per the WB report, more women go to work than men. Highlighting the factual information, the report states that 45.4% of women go to work on foot as against 27.4% of men.

The report was compiled to guide Indian cities on how to design public transport that is more inclusive of women's travel needs.

More women also travel by bus and are likely to consider affordability when traveling, the report said, adding that they often choose slower modes of transport because faster modes are more expensive. The report noted that lack of security also deters women from venturing out, reducing their presence in public places.

The toolkit has been designed in response to a 2019 World Bank supported survey of 6,048 respondents in Mumbai. The survey found that between 2004 and 2019, men used two-wheelers to commute to work, while women used auto-rickshaws or taxis, which are more expensive (per trip) than two-wheelers Is.

It includes practical tools that can inform policy makers as well as a wide range of private or community-based organizations to help ensure safe and inclusive public spaces and public transportation for women in India.

The report states that Indian public transport services have traditionally not been designed keeping the safety of women in mind. So, this is resulting in fewer women going to work. India has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates globally at 22.8% in 2019-20.

In addition, the report recommended a number of interventions in transport and public spaces, including adequate streetlighting, and improved tracks for walking and cycling, which particularly benefit women who use non-motorized transport. Big user. The report noted that formulating low fare policies could increase ridership for women and persons of other genders.