Perceptions and Strategies: An Analysis of Gendered Safety Perceptions and Mitigation Strategies for Public Transportation

This research paper investigates how different safety measures influence safety perceptions across genders and shape overall security experiences within public transportation. The study utilizes primary data analysis from a survey focusing on perceptions of safety among users of the Edmonton Transit System, highlighting significant differences between gender and feelings of unsafety as well as preferences for increased safety strategies. The findings suggest that there is a disparity in safety perceptions between genders, with female respondents feeling more unsafe compared to male respondents. Additionally, a content analysis of multiple safety-related documents was conducted to deduce safety perceptions and mitigation strategies. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering gender-specific needs in the design of public transport systems to create a more inclusive and secure environment for all passengers. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between transit safety measures and gender-specific safety perceptions, providing insights for the development of more effective safety strategies in public transportation systems.