Women’s experiences on utilisation of public transport in Punjab

The experiences of space and time are highly gendered and constructed on the dominant social norms and mores. Travelling through a public transport system for women entails multiple meanings and dimensions. Based on two districts of Fatehgarh Sahib and Faridkot in Punjab, a north-western state of India, the present study attempts to understand the experiences of women while travelling on public transport. It reveals that the majority of women feel safe from early morning to morning, whereas they feel unsafe during late evening and at night. Women mobility is restricted during these times due to fear of safety. Infrastructural facilities such as availability of footpaths and proper street lighting have been rated poor. Some problems specifically highlighted by women are height of bus floor and steps, impatience of the driver-conductor and the vehicle not stopping at the designated place. Majority of women find it difficult to locate a seat during the peak rush hours of morning and evening. During such times, chances of harassment multiply due to crowding, making travel for women even more challenging. The study shows that the travel needs and pattern of women are significantly different from that of men and therefore, transport policy must be reviewed to achieve inclusive, safe and sustainable transport for all.