Challenges and barriers to gender inclusion in the design of transit oriented developments: A case study in New Zealand

• Absence of national gender-specific TOD guidelines hinder equitable mobility outcomes. • Male-centric planning paradigms overlook gender-differentiated transport needs. • All professionals need to be trained to ensure gender inclusion in TOD design. • Recognition of inclusivity requirement needed to overcome unconscious biases. Gender inclusivity in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) planning is essential for equitable access to urban transportation and fostering inclusive cities. However, practice can often overlook the unique mobility needs and safety concerns of women and gender-diverse individuals. This study investigates the challenges and barriers to incorporating gender-specific needs into TOD planning, with a case study in New Zealand. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with twenty-two transportation practitioners across public and private sectors in New Zealand. In addition, interviews are undertaken with two national and international transportation planning experts. A critical barrier identified is the absence of national-level guidelines or enforceable standards explicitly addressing women’s and gender-diverse individuals’ travel needs and safety concerns. The findings reveal significant gaps in policy enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and professional awareness, perpetuating male-centric planning paradigms. Current policies broadly aim for inclusivity but lack specific provisions for addressing the unique travel patterns and safety perceptions of marginalized groups. This research underscores the urgent need to shift New Zealand’s TOD planning practices from generalized inclusivity to actionable gender-sensitive strategies. Key recommendations include establishing enforceable gender-sensitive guidelines, fostering diverse leadership, and leveraging international partnerships for funding and expertise. By addressing these gaps, New Zealand can transition from generalized inclusivity goals to actionable strategies, aligning its TOD initiatives with global best practices for equitable and accessible urban development.