The invisible yet ESSENTIAL voices in Public Transport
Not only are women the main users of public transport - but they are also behind the wheel, leading the change! From engineers to policymakers, from drivers to activists, women have played a fundamental role in improving mobility systems, increasing safety, and making transport more accessible. Yet, despite their contributions, their work often remains unseen and unrecognised.
Looking back, history is filled with examples of women whose work changed transport as we know it. Elizabeth Jennings Graham fought for desegregation in New York’s streetcars, Olive Dennis transformed train travel by introducing reclining seats, air conditioning, and improved lighting, and Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper, a key safety feature still used today. Their legacy reminds us of a persistent reality: women’s voices continue to be underrepresented in transport, especially in decision-making and policy design. This is a concerning issue as public transport should reflect and cater the needs of all users.
At UPPER, we believe that mobility is not a privilege but a right. #MobilityAsARight means making public transport attractive, efficient, reliable, safe, inclusive, and affordable for everyone. To explore how we can accelerate progress, we spoke to Annie Kortsari, researcher at the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) and Laura Babío, Traffic Efficiency Cluster Lead & Just Transition Co-coordinator at POLIS Network, two experts working in the UPPER project.
Women’s mobility needs are often overlooked
While public transport is essential for all, women’s travel patterns and experiences often differ from men’s. Research has shown that women tend to combine multiple trips, balancing work, caregiving, and household responsibilities. They also travel more frequently at off-peak hours and are more reliant on public transport as their primary mode of mobility.
However, many transport systems continue to be designed without considering these differences, leading to gaps in safety, accessibility, and service reliability. “Projects like UPPER expose the fact that many cities are still far from truly accessible,” explains Annie Kortsari. “We help identify these mobility barriers and implement both immediate solutions and long-term policy changes. But research alone isn’t enough - progress depends on political will.”
She stresses that data-driven solutions are critical. “It is only when all voices are heard that problems are efficiently solved, and societies and communities thrive. When women are part of the conversation, the chances for effective problem-solving increase to a significant extent.”
In the framework of the UPPER, 80 mobility measures will be implemented in 10 European cities, many of which aim to improve safety and accessibility for women. Some main measures include:
• Provision of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services ensuring this way accessibility to women from peri-urban and distant areas during the whole day and in a safe and monitored manner.
• Better connectivity between various types of PT throughout the whole day, facilitating transportation to work and leisure in a quick and efficient way for all groups.
• Promoting the use of soft mobility and walking, making this way streets safer for all vulnerable user groups.
• Efficient management of transport to school for teens and young children.
• Development of applications providing information on adapted services for different groups of users, including women and teens.
Yet, implementing new mobility measures is only part of the solution. Long-term progress requires comprehensive data collection. Many women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, avoid public transport due to safety concerns. Without access to private vehicles, this restriction affects their professional and social mobility. “To address this issue, we must first recognise it,” Annie explains. “This requires thorough research, direct observation, and, most importantly, actively listening to women’s experiences.”
Bridging the gender gap in the public transport sector
Beyond addressing women’s mobility needs, another key issue remains: the lack of gender representation in the transport workforce. Women make up only 16% of transport employees globally. In Europe, this figure is slightly higher at 22%, but the gap remains significant. A POLIS study found that increasing female employment in transport leads to measurable improvements, but attracting and retaining women in the sector remains a challenge.
“We need to rethink how jobs in the sector are structured,” says Laura Babío. “It’s not just about hiring more women, it’s about creating the conditions that allow them to stay and thrive.”
Laura outlines some measures needed for change, such as:
- Flexible work schedules to improve work-life balance.
- Equal pay and structured career progression paths.
- Stronger gender equality policies and workplace safety measures.
- Concrete actions to prevent and address harassment in the sector.
“If these issues are not addressed, the challenge of bringing more women into the sector will persist,” Laura points out. “It’s essential to keep this conversation going and turn advocacy into tangible action.”
Bringing more women into transport is only one piece of the puzzle. Ensuring that their contributions are recognised and valued is just as important. “We need to actively highlight and celebrate their achievements,” Laura explains. “Women’s contributions are frequently overlooked, especially in roles outside leadership or technical expertise.”
She believes that recognition plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining more women in the sector. “Industry awards, media representation, mentorship programmes, and leadership training can help ensure that women’s work is valued and supported.” Mentorship and leadership initiatives not only elevate women into decision-making roles but also create more inclusive workplaces where their contributions are acknowledged.
Continue the push for inclusive mobility
From Elizabeth Jennings Graham’s fight for equal access to Olive Dennis’ engineering innovations and Mary Anderson’s safety contributions, history proves that women have always been at the forefront of transport innovation. Today, women like Laura and Annie continue that legacy, pushing for more inclusive policies, stronger research, and meaningful structural change in transport.
At UPPER, we believe that when women thrive, the transport sector thrives, and so do our cities. We remain committed to amplifying women’s voices, challenging outdated structures, and ensuring their contributions to mobility are no longer invisible!
