Beyond gender-neutral transportation planning: Developing a multidimensional scale for assessing the suitability of a travel mode for women

Abstract

Women face unique challenges and constraints in urban transportation systems, yet gendered mobility and its impact on women's mode choice behavior have been largely overlooked in transportation studies. This paper aims to develop a multidimensional scale that evaluates the suitability of a travel mode for women (STMW), focusing on shared taxi systems. The proposed STMW scale incorporates seven dimensions: fear of abuse, experiences of harassment, individual perception of harassment, self-image, family norms, trip environment and conditions, and hygiene concerns. By comprehensively analyzing these factors, the study aims to provide transportation policymakers with valuable insights for promoting inclusive and equitable transportation planning strategies. The STMW scale was developed and validated through three studies. Study 1 (n = 330) focused on scale development, utilizing exploratory factor analysis to pinpoint underlying factors shaping women's perceptions of travel mode suitability. Study 2 (n = 339) used confirmatory factor analysis to validate the seven-factor structure of the scale. Finally, Study 3 (n = 421) examined relationships between the factors of STMW and established psychological measures, such as Satisfaction with Travel Scale and Social Anxiety Questionnaire. This paper also explored the relationships between STMW factors and background variables, including marital status, age, and mode choice behavior. The findings of the validation studies provided evidence supporting the structural validity of the STMW scale, indicating its reliability and robustness as a measurement tool. To promote women's mobility and participation in society, particularly in settings with traditional and patriarchal structures, it is crucial to understand how women perceive the suitability of different modes of transportation. The paper's discussion emphasizes the implications of the proposed scale for transportation planning and policy.