GENDERED MOBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRANSPORT: WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES ON MUMBAI'S SUBURBAN RAILWAY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/aisr.2024.21Keywords:
Public Transport, Transit Captivity, Megacity, Suburban Trains, IndiaAbstract
In the urban landscape of Mumbai, women commuters navigate a complex interplay of gender and mobility within their daily commutes on the suburban railway system. Balancing diverse domestic and professional roles, their experiences and perceptions of mobility are shaped by societal structures and safety concerns, often resulting in transit captivity. This study adopts a qualitative approach grounded in feminist epistemology, conducting in-depth semi-structured ethnographic interviews with both daily and occasional women travellers on Mumbai's local trains. Through a gendered lens and thematic analysis, this research uncovers the varied mental models and socio-cultural influences that shape women's mobility decisions, revealing their travel experiences, preferences, and constraints. The findings highlight the layered complexities of women's mobility needs and the shortcomings of current urban transport systems in addressing these needs, particularly regarding safety, accessibility, and inclusivity. This study contributes to the literature on urban mobility, gender equity, and sustainable transportation by integrating a theoretical framework that centres women's experiences. It advocates for a more holistic approach to urban planning in densely populated and developing contexts, emphasizing the need for inclusive transport policies that consider the diverse needs of all urban residents.
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