Waiting at a bus stop in Delhi, Aparna, a college student, sighs in frustration. “I’ve been waiting for a while now. Taking the bus has become such a hassle. They’re infrequent, overcrowded, and I don’t feel safe standing here—sometimes I even get harassed.” She glances at her phone and shakes her head. “Looks like I’m going to be late for the college lecture. I wish there was better information on bus timings. Maybe I should switch to the metro—it’s at least reliable, even if it’s expensive.”
Aparna is one of the 27.2 % of young people between the ages of 15 and 29 who make up a significant portion of the Indian population (MoSPI,2022). Many of them are students or early-career professionals who migrate to urban areas in search of a brighter future. As young people join the growing wave of people who are migrating to cities in search of better opportunities, better living conditions and better economic prospects, urban systems will need to adapt accordingly. In order to support the aspirations of young residents, their needs must be taken into account in urban planning processes and guide the redesign of public spaces, economic activities, social networks and transport infrastructure.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerating Action, calls for decisive steps to implement strategies, plans, and policies that drive gender equity. On the way towards more inclusive and supportive urban systems, transportation emerges as a crucial factor in ensuring equal access to cities and opportunities—especially for young women.
Several factors shape the quality of mobility systems in a city and determine their accessibility for young women. Key among these is the ease of travel, which is influenced by the quality of infrastructure. A 2023 study by Safetipin highlighted that factors such as well-maintained and accessible footpaths, well-lit streets, hygienic and accessible public toilets, and secure waiting areas at public transport stops play a crucial role in ensuring that young women can move around the city comfortably.
Service parameters are equally important. Frequent and reliable public transport reduces waiting times and minimises uncertainty, making travelling more predictable. Access to real-time information, such as bus or arrival updates, allows young women to plan their journeys better and avoid unnecessary delays, especially in multi-modal transfers. Moreover, last-mile connectivity plays a vital role in ensuring seamless travel. Its absence is especially felt when the route between a transit stop and the point of origin or destination is too far for walking comfortably or perceived as unsafe.
Safety is another critical aspect. Women often face harassment and security concerns while using public transport or waiting at transit stops. Measures such as well-lit bus stops, surveillance through both formal (CCTV) and informal measures (eyes on the street, e.g.: street vendors) and the presence of more women travelling and as service providers (bus drivers and conductors) can enhance their sense of security and encourage more young women to use public transport. For example, in a 2021 study by ORF conducted with predominantly young participants below the age of 35 from 140 Indian cities, 52 % of women highlighted that they had to turn down opportunities for education and employment due to the fear of sexual harassment and the lack of safety while accessing and using public spaces.
A study conducted by Safetipin among 370 young college students in Delhi in 2024 revealed that their major challenges in travelling to college centred around infrequent and crowded buses and the lack of real-time information on bus arrivals, which made it difficult for them to plan their journeys. They reported having longer travel times due to multimodal transfers. One student noted: ‘There are very few buses along my route. So, I often find them overcrowded in the morning, and in the afternoon, I have to wait for 25-30 minutes for the bus. On the whole, there is a need for more buses’. Another female student shared her experience: ‘I was walking towards the college hostel. Suddenly, two men on a bike threw water at me. It was such an unpleasant experience that I don’t feel safe walking in that area anymore. Now I take an auto to college’.
Safety concerns were a major issue, with 61% of the female students surveyed feeling unsafe on the streets due to fear of harassment. However, their mode choice was primarily driven by affordability, reliability and travel duration. As a result, while 66 % of students who had the option chose to walk to college, concerns about reliability and travel duration led a significant proportion of students to use autorickshaws rather than buses or the metro, despite finding it more expensive.
As cities strive to develop mobility and transport systems that are inclusive, it is crucial to consider and address the specific needs of young women. This requires re-evaluating transport planning strategies, improving service reliability and perceptions of safety, and enhancing the commuting experience. Based on Safetipin’s research, the following crucial considerations could promote inclusive and safe mobility of youth, especially women.
1. Gather data-driven insights: disaggregated data on commuters
Gathering gender and age-disaggregated data from public transport users can help urban practitioners and decision-makers understand the nuances of how young people navigate the city. Analysis of this data can reveal distinct travel patterns of young people by gender, age and socio-economic status.
2. Foster inclusive decision-making: engaging young people, especially women
Historically, public transport planning has often overlooked the nuanced needs of young people. To address this gap, it is necessary to establish and leverage platforms where young people, especially women, can voice their needs and concerns. One such initiative is The Cities for Youth program by Safetipin, which engages young people in active citizenship, equipping them with the agency and leadership skills to advocate for safer and more inclusive urban spaces.
3. Enhance service frequency: addressing peak travel time for young women
Public transport services are often planned to cater to the male working population of the city, overlooking young people’s mobility patterns. As a result, infrequent and unreliable services discourage young people from using affordable and environmentally efficient transport systems. Addressing this requires (i) designing routes that connect key destinations frequented by young people, such as educational institutions and recreational areas, and (ii) increasing public transport frequency and introducing feeder bus systems to enhance last-mile connectivity, especially during peak travel times for young commuters.
4. Leverage technology: enhancing service reliability
The rise of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) presents an opportunity to improve public transport services. While many app-based information systems exist, awareness about them is low, and their accuracy is, at times, unreliable. To address this, public transport providers must develop and promote user-friendly applications that offer accurate real-time updates on schedules, route planning, and service disruptions. Digital systems can also support grievance redressal systems, enabling users to report issues, share feedback, and suggest improvements for service quality and safety. Furthermore, using social media to engage directly with commuters can help understand their concerns and disseminate important updates.
5. Ensure safety and security: prioritising women’s safety
Safety remains a critical concern in public transport systems. As mentioned earlier, improving lighting at transit stops enhances visibility and security. While CCTV installation can help deter harassment, fostering commercial activities along streets encourages natural surveillance, making public spaces safer. Adopting gender-responsive street design guidelines ensures that urban infrastructure meets the diverse needs of all commuters. Additionally, equipping stations and vehicles with emergency communication systems, such as panic buttons and direct lines to law enforcement, can provide immediate assistance in emergencies. Public communication campaigns should also be implemented to raise awareness among commuters about these safety measures and how to use them effectively.
Increasing the presence of women in the transport workforce can significantly enhance the perception of safety for young women. However, achieving this requires adapting existing systems to make the transport sector a more attractive and supportive workplace for women. A 2023 study by Safetipin, conducted with staff at two bus depots in Delhi, highlights key measures such as providing restrooms and other essential facilities, including childcare spaces, as well as implementing gender sensitisation training for all staff.
Ultimately, a city’s mobility system is only truly accessible if it caters to the diverse needs of its users. By accelerating action on gender-equitable mobility, we are not just improving transportation but also unlocking opportunities for young women to thrive, contribute to the economy, and live with greater freedom, confidence and dignity.
©Safetipin | Rithvika Rajiv | A young woman walking through rain in an urban area.
Rithvika Rajiv
rithvika.rajiv@safetipin.com
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