Women represent the largest share of public transport users in developing countries, yet they face many barriers that limit their mobility. In South Africa, safety and security concerns and limited access to reliable transport reduce women’s participation in the labour market. This study analysed 1,243 questionnaires collected from female commuters. The study developed a causal model of public transport choice by women. The causal model and the nexus between the influential factors, their sub-factors and women’s choices were validated using structural equation modelling. The investigation found that women’s inclusivity in public transport is extremely low and that neither the public transport fleet nor transport facilities provide for the needs of women commuters. Moreover, the study revealed that the rate of violence against women in South African public transport is significantly high and that the majority of female passengers has experienced violence several times. The study deduces that public transport performance and socio-demographics are the main factors influencing women’s choice of public transportation. Hence, by addressing gender-based violence, the level of use of public transport by South African women should increase significantly. In conclusion, the study recommends the need for immediate short-term remedies incorporating new technologies alongside long-term policy objectives to enhance the inclusivity of public transportation. The validated causal model can be used as a robust framework for improving the inclusivity and performance of public transport for women in Africa and diminishing gender violence.
Author: Karen Le Jeune
First published on EBE Talks (University of Cape Town)
