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Transport System Failing Women, Says Study

Posted on: Thursday, 6 October 2005, 06:00 CDT

By Mackinnon, Laura

Failures in Britain's public transport system are leaving women disadvantaged in taking up job opportunities, according to a study by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

The report describes the transport system as "constructed for men by men". It highlights how women's different travel patterns, fewer financial resources and greater feelings of vulnerability have been ignored in transport planning policies, leaving them less able to access public transport.

Women on lower incomes, who are twice as likely to use public transport as those with the highest incomes, are particularly affected. If their husband or partner uses the only car to reach work, women are left unable to travel to the same range of jobs as men.

The EOC has found that problems are perpetuated by male domination of the transport sector. Under-representation of women in professional and managerial positions in the sector "makes their influence over the decision-making process very limited".

Transport 2000 campaigns director Jason Torrance said: "The new findings really add ammunition to the case for improvement in public transport. Public transport is a key factor for people reaching the work place safely. Provisions must be made for the whole journey, including additional street lighting and taxi ranks."

A DfT spokeswoman said: "We encourage transport planners,providers and local authorities to assess women's transport needs and design appropriate services. As part of their next local transport plans, local authorities will be expected to deliver accessibility strategies. We are committed to reducing crime and fear of crime wherever it occurs in the transport system".

Since the research was commissioned, an Equality Bill has been introduced into Parliament. The bill, which would become law in 2006, will require public bodies to eliminate sex discrimination in both employment and the design of policies and services.

Statistics published by the Department for Transport (DfT) last week showed that 25 per cent of people avoid public transport at certain times "due to concerns about crime and disorder".

* The EOC's Promoting Gender Equality in Transport and the DfT's Public Transport Statistics Bulletin are both available via www.regen.net/doc

Torrance: public transport is key factor in getting to work safely

Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Sep 16, 2005

Source: Regeneration & Renewal

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