Gender Equality Initiatives in Transportation Policy

This paper reviews current trends and initiatives in transportation policy from a gender perspective. The patterns of travel by women and the use they make of transportation are different than those of men. This difference stems from gender inequality within the home and the labor market, the urban structure, and other factors. 

In all European countries, fewer women than men travel by private car, while the majority of those who use public transportation are women. 

In comparison with men, women take more trips per day, but travel for shorter distances. This is because women work closer to home, are more likely to be employed part-time, and more likely to work in low-paying jobs. Women’s travel is characterized by “trip chaining." Trip chaining is the result of women's caregiver tasks and may include stops at health facilities, escorting children to school, visits to parents, etc. Furthermore, women are more likely to travel during off-peak hours and less likely to travel after dark.