Introduction
In early 2022, the Minister for Transport announced that the Scottish Government would consult on the safety of women and girls when using public transport, including both public transport users and those working within the public transport system in Scotland.
The Minister’s announcement builds on a growing body of international evidence that shows that women and girls have unique travel behaviours and needs, which must be addressed by tailored solutions. Moreover, women are often underrepresented in the strategic planning process for public transport developments. Research has also shown that women and girls (both as transport workers and passengers) view and experience public transport as being less safe compared to their male counterparts.
The consultation commitment also reflected priorities set out in Scotland’s National Transport Strategy (NTS2) and Scotland’s Vision for Justice. It was also aligned with the Scottish Government’s Equality Outcomes, which aim to reduce inequalities and advance equality of opportunity - most notably across the protected characteristics of age, disability and gender.
Against this backdrop, Transport Scotland commissioned independent qualitative research to explore women’s and girls’ views and experiences of personal safety when using public transport in Scotland, the findings of which are presented here.
The aim of the research was to provide Scottish-specific evidence and personal testimony from women and girls on the impact of concerns around personal safety on public transport. The specific objectives were to:
- understand the extent to which concerns around personal safety on public transport and accessing public transport affect women’s and girls’ mobility and travel choices;
- understand the impact of public transport related issues on women’s and girls’ employment, educational and social opportunities; and
- seek solutions from stakeholders on addressing personal safety issues on public transport.
The research was a qualitative exercise which placed individuals with lived experience at the centre of engagement, ensuring that their voices are used to directly inform policy.