Safety perceptions on gendered public transportation choices
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2025-06-20
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en
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Public transportation safety is a critical component of urban mobility, particularly for women, who often report higher levels of insecurity while using these services. This study investigates which safety-related factors women consider most influential in shaping their perceptions of safety in public transport in Nijmegen. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data from 157 women with qualitative insights from expert interviews with a municipal policy advisor and a city councillor.
The findings indicate that infrastructure-related factors, particularly lighting and the visible presence of staff, have the strongest influence on women’s perceived safety. Among demographic variables, education level emerged as the most significant, indirectly affecting safety perceptions through various mediating factors such as lighting conditions, staff presence, cultural norms, time of day, and skin colour.
The results underscore the importance of gender-sensitive infrastructure planning, with practical implications including improved lighting and increased staff visibility in transit environments. Additionally, the study highlights the role of social dynamics in shaping safety experiences and calls for more attention to intersectional perspectives. Further research is recommended to deepen the understanding of how intersectional identities impact perceptions of safety and to inform the development of targeted, inclusive interventions.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen