A new study published this summer by the European Investment Bank (EIB) highlights the importance of women when it comes to combatting climate change and boosting public transport.

The extensive surveys have shown that women are far more likely to be influenced by concerns around climate and the environment when making their daily decisions. When we dive into travel behaviour findings, it is revealed that 80% of travel decisions are made by women and that women are consistently far more likely than men to adopt sustainable travel choices.

All the European source studies that EIB has brought to light found that while women are more likely to use public transport, men predominately favour the car as their main form of transport.

A number of factors were identified that could lever even greater ridership from women, such as improving the feeling of personal security and designing services to better suit women’s typical travel patterns.

“The success of sustainable transport plans and mobility strategies depends on the recognition that women and men often have different travel needs. Putting women at the centre of the planning process can result in a win-win situation.”

The study conclusions highlight the problems caused by the lack of gender responsive policies and disaggregated data on gender for passenger use of public transport and rail. If you would like to collaborate with other members and UIC to find a way to better address the needs of female passengers and increase workplace diversity, there is a new proposed opt-in for the 2023 ‘TRAIN2B Equal’ project.