Addressing the Travel Needs of Women and the LGBTQIA+ Community on Public Transportation

This project addresses the specific travel needs and challenges faced by women and LGBTQIA+ individuals on public transportation, which has historically been designed with limited consideration of these groups' unique experiences. Despite comprising a significant portion of public transit users, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals often encounter safety concerns, lack of inclusive facilities, and fear of discrimination, all of which deter their ridership and participation in community life. The study aims to create a blueprint for transit agencies and planners to improve policies and design practices, making transit systems safer and more inclusive. By examining existing literature, gathering data through surveys, and engaging with riders, the research will develop guidelines for implementing gender-inclusive changes that respond directly to the experiences and needs of diverse populations. This project will assess current public transportation systems and propose actionable strategies to enhance inclusivity. Key outputs will include a web-based self-assessment tool and a best-practices guide for transit planners, enabling agencies to evaluate and adjust their policies with a focus on inclusivity and equity. By addressing the safety, comfort, and accessibility of public transportation for women and LGBTQIA+ communities, this research contributes to broader U.S. DOT goals of reducing inequities and fostering a more welcoming transit environment for all users.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $97000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348301

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  130 Natural Resources Road
  Amherst, MA  United States  01003
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Connecticut Transportation Institute
  270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Auguste, Marisa E

  Pawelzik, Jennifer

• Start Date: 20240901
• Expected Completion Date: 20250831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Subprogram: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Equity; Public transit; Safety
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01935903
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: New England University Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348301
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Nov 5 2024 6:27AM