In the early 1990s, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Yet the state continues to use male-female categories when investigating the role of gender in transportation issues such as travel behavior and transportation accessibility. Since a person’s identity can have a significant influence on their own and others’ behavior and experiences, excluding gender diversity in behavior or accessibility research could result in an incomplete understanding of the issues and perceptions about quality of life. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern that presented a study funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) that collected travel behavior data and integrated it with existing data to identify patterns based on gender identity. The findings of these efforts can identify potential disparities in transportation costs and benefits across communities in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Women and Gender in Transportation.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Study approach and outcomes – Ying Song, University of Minnesota

2. Findings and next steps – Erika Shepard, MnDOT

3. Question and answer session moderated by Hally Turner, MnDOT

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Understand and use gender-related terms

2. Recognize how gender can influence activity-travel behaviors

3. Relate gender to subjective well-being outcomes

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.