Research Sessions

Research Session A: Institutionalizing Gender in Transportation Agencies and Decision-Making

Presenters

Nadji Kirby, COMTO, Moderator

Carole Voulgaris, Harvard University

Michelle Bina, WSP

Seema Singh, Cambridge Systematics

Poorva Jain, University of Alberta

Co-Presenters

Lauren Fischer, University of North Texas

Rosalie Ray, Texas State University

Emily Grisé, University of Alberta

Bogdan Kapatsila, University of Alberta

Key Takeaways

• Representation shapes equity: Transit boards with greater gender diversity have been linked to more equitable service changes, highlighting the impact of diverse perspectives in governance.
• Gender bias in planning: Male-dominated approaches continue to influence transportation planning in regions like India, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive policies, tools, and training to address mobility inequities.
• Modeling and data limitations: Existing travel demand models often fail to account for intersectional identities and nuanced gender differences due to binary classifications and data constraints. Improving these models can contribute to more inclusive planning.
• Equity through GBA+: Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), an analytical framework, has provided a structured approach to integrating equity into infrastructure projects, as demonstrated in Edmonton’s bus rapid transit (BRT) analysis. Its application helps prioritize planning decisions that support equity-deserving groups.
• Challenges in data collection: Comprehensive data collection gaps remain a significant challenge, particularly for intersectional identities such as LGBTQIA+

• populations. The development of new tools and methodologies could help address these limitations.
• Barriers to inclusive practices: Institutional barriers—including male-dominated workplaces, limited resources, and competing priorities—have impacted the adoption of gender-sensitive planning. Discussions highlighted the need for systemic change and capacity-building efforts to address these obstacles.

Summary

Research Session A, moderated by Nadji Kirby, featured four interconnected studies examining the role of gender in transportation governance, planning, and decision-making. Discussions explored both the challenges and opportunities in integrating gender-sensitive approaches into transportation systems and provided insights into the broader implications of representation, planning practices, and modeling limitations.

The first presentation, by Carole Voulgaris of Harvard University, examined how the diversity of transit boards influences service equity. Analyzing 36 transit agencies, Voulgaris’s study found that boards with more female representation were more likely to implement equitable service changes. However, disability representation on boards had a minimal impact on outcomes with regard to equity. Challenges in collecting accurate demographic data on board members were also noted, as public sources such as social media profiles and press releases often provide incomplete information.

Seema Singh of Cambridge Systematics presented research on male-centric transport planning in India, identifying gaps in addressing mobility needs for women and other underrepresented groups. Singh’s study in Panchkula revealed that gender-sensitive policies, planning tools, and training opportunities for transportation professionals remain limited. Ambiguities in translating gender policies into actionable strategies, coupled with poor data quality and underrepresentation of women in decision-making, were highlighted as factors contributing to persistent inequities.

Michelle Bina of WSP explored the limitations of traditional travel demand models in capturing gender dynamics. Bina explained that many models rely on binary gender definitions and fail to incorporate intersectional identities, making them less effective in addressing diverse mobility needs. Additional challenges include data constraints and researcher biases, which limit the accuracy of these models. Bina noted that more inclusive methodologies and improved data integration could enhance the effectiveness of travel demand modeling.

The final presentation by Poorva Jain of the University of Alberta examined the use of GBA+ in transportation infrastructure planning. Using Edmonton’s proposed BRT corridors as a case study, Jain demonstrated how GBA+ prioritizes transit projects that support equity-deserving groups. Her analysis showed that BRT1, the proposed north--

south corridor, would significantly enhance accessibility to jobs for women, increasing access by 13 percent and creating approximately 5,800 new job opportunities within a 45-minute travel time. Despite these promising findings, Jain noted data limitations, particularly for LGBTQIA+ populations, highlighting the need for improved data collection methods.

The session emphasized the importance of representation, high-quality data, and methodological advancements in advancing gender equity in transportation. Findings highlighted the role of diverse transit boards, gender-sensitive planning tools, and frameworks like GBA+ in ensuring that infrastructure projects are designed to meet the needs of historically overburdened groups. By addressing data gaps, improving modeling techniques, and integrating inclusive planning practices, transportation agencies can work toward building more equitable and responsive systems.

Research Session B: Mobility of Care

Presenters

Noreen MacDonald, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Moderator

Sang-O Kim, Cornell University

Key Takeaways

• Transportation dependency: Caregiving travel relies primarily on private vehicles, particularly larger vehicles, for wheelchair accessibility. Financial barriers to acquiring accessible vehicles create additional challenges for caregivers.
• Workplace flexibility: Supportive workplace policies help employed caregivers manage dual responsibilities, but many caregivers face rigid work environments, increasing the risk of job loss and financial insecurity.
• Paratransit limitations: Paratransit services can serve as an essential safety net but are often hindered by outdated reservation systems, inconsistent driver training, and limited rural coverage, reducing their overall effectiveness.
• Cultural and gender dynamics: Male caregivers play a significant role in transportation-related caregiving but experience social exclusion from caregiver resources. Cultural influences also shape caregiving experiences, as seen in the approaches of Hispanic caregivers and those in multigenerational households.
• Policy considerations: Public interventions, such as tax credits for accessible vehicles and improvements in paratransit improvements, could help alleviate transportation-related challenges for caregivers.
• Role of nonstate actors: Programs operated by churches and other community organizations were mentioned as alternative solutions, but their availability was

• inconsistent, especially during times of disruption. Informal support networks played a greater role in supplementing caregivers’ transportation needs.

Summary

Research Session B, moderated by Noreen MacDonald, examined the transportation behaviors, challenges, and needs of family caregivers of older adults. The session focused on the critical role of transportation in caregiving and the systemic barriers caregivers face.

Sang-O Kim, the session’s presenter, shared findings from interviews with caregivers in upstate New York, aiming to provide insights into their travel behaviors and the systemic barriers they encounter. Motivated by personal experience and a lack of quantitative data on caregiving-related travel, Kim’s research used qualitative methods to explore this underrepresented issue.

Kim found that caregiving travel was characterized by frequent short trips primarily between caregivers’ homes, care recipients’ homes, and medical destinations. Most of these trips relied on private vehicles, with minimal use of public transit or paratransit services. Many caregivers noted that preparing for travel, such as assisting care recipients into vehicles, often took longer than the actual trip itself.

Financial pressures also emerged as a significant challenge. Many caregivers needed SUVs or larger vehicles to accommodate wheelchairs, often taking on debt or making financial sacrifices, such as taking out loans or selling other vehicles.

Workplace flexibility played a critical role in caregivers’ ability to balance responsibilities. Those with supportive employers found it easier to manage their schedules, while those without workplace flexibility faced increased stress and, in some cases, job loss.

While paratransit services were recognized as a valuable resource, caregivers reported that outdated reservation systems, inconsistent driver training, and limited rural coverage made these services difficult to rely on. As a result, many caregivers turned to informal support networks or expensive alternatives like rideshare services when formal options were unavailable.

The study also raised broader concerns about the sustainability of the caregiving system. Relying on personal networks, crowdfunding platforms, and employer accommodations to address caregiving transportation needs was seen as inadequate. Public policy measures, such as tax credits for accessible vehicles and paratransit improvements, were discussed as potential solutions.

The study also examined how cultural and gender dynamics influence caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, multigenerational households were identified as a potential advantage in caregiving, allowing responsibilities to be shared among family members.

This arrangement was seen as a way to reduce the burden on individual caregivers and make caregiving responsibilities more manageable.

Research Session C: Gender and Cycling

Presenters

Tham Nguyen, HDR Inc., Moderator

Shahrzad Enderle, University of Freiburg

Mallika Gupta, University of California, Berkeley

Saquib M. Haroon, University of Arizona

Léa Ravensbergen, McMaster University

Key Takeaways

• Gender norms and cycling: Socialization, patriarchal norms, and limited infrastructure significantly influence women’s cycling behavior. Studies suggest that perceptions of women cyclists as risk-averse or less competent are shaped by societal norms and limited exposure rather than innate characteristics.
• Impact of socialization: Experiences during childhood and adolescence—such as a decline in cycling participation among girls at puberty—contribute to long-term disparities in confidence and participation.
• Combining qualitative and quantitative research: There is a gap in integrating qualitative narratives (e.g., personal stories about safety and confidence) with quantitative data to create a more comprehensive understanding of cycling behavior and barriers.
• Rural vs. urban differences: Cycling experiences differ based on location. In some rural areas, cycling is more normalized due to lower traffic volumes or better infrastructure, but these conditions vary significantly by region.
• International perspectives: Programs like India’s bicycle distribution initiative for schoolgirls have demonstrated the transformative impact of targeted interventions, improving school attendance and challenging gender barriers in transportation.
• Community engagement: Effective policymaking benefits from input directly from communities to ensure that diverse needs are addressed. Training researchers and practitioners to navigate the emotional complexities of collecting and analyzing stories about systemic inequalities was identified as a key part of this process.

Summary

Research Session C, moderated by Tham Nguyen, examined recent findings on the intersections of gender and cycling. Presenters Shahrzad Enderle, Mallika Gupta, Saquib M. Haroon, and Léa Ravensbergen shared research on the barriers women face in cycling, the influence of societal norms, and approaches to creating more inclusive cycling environments.

This session explored how gendered assumptions—such as the idea that women are naturally risk-averse or more likely to prioritize household-serving travel—have influenced research and policy. Some presenters challenged these assumptions, emphasizing the need to address structural and cultural factors, particularly patriarchal social norms, that contribute to these disparities.

Two primary research approaches were discussed:

1. Quantitative studies that document differences in cycling behavior often attribute lower participation rates to risk aversion or caregiving responsibilities. However, these studies do not always explore the underlying causes of these behavioral differences.
2. Qualitative research examines how gender is socially constructed and performed in the context of cycling. This approach provides a deeper understanding of how limited exposure, lack of confidence, and societal expectations shape women’s cycling habits.

The discussion also addressed regional differences in cycling experiences. In some rural areas, cycling among women is normalized, due to infrastructure advantages or necessity, whereas in urban environments, cycling among women may be less prevalent, due to intensified safety concerns and societal pressures. An international example from India demonstrated how a bicycle distribution program for schoolgirls significantly improved mobility and education outcomes, illustrating how targeted interventions can challenge gender norms and enhance transportation accessibility.

Presenters discussed potential strategies to expand access to cycling for women and challenge existing norms. Topics included normalizing cycling through education and infrastructure improvements, addressing safety concerns comprehensively, and developing policies that actively challenge patriarchal norms. The importance of integrating qualitative and quantitative research was also emphasized to provide a more holistic understanding of barriers and opportunities. Additionally, collaboration between public agencies, research institutions, and local communities was highlighted as essential for designing equitable cycling policies.

The session concluded with a discussion on how cycling can serve as a tool for advancing gender equity in transportation. Presenters examined ways to remove systemic barriers, reshape cultural perceptions, and develop inclusive policies that

empower women as cyclists. By challenging existing norms and implementing community-informed strategies, cycling can become a transformative force in creating more equitable transportation systems.

Research Session D: Mobility Barriers and Transport Disadvantage

Presenters

Mehri Mohebbi, University of Florida Transportation Institute, Moderator

Courtney Cronley, University of Tennessee

Maria Laura Guerrero Balarezo, Polytechnique Montréal

Co-Presenters

Léa Ravensbergen, McMaster University

Martin Trepanier, Polytechnique Montréal

Genevieve Boisjoly, Polytechnique Montréal

Noelle Fields, University of Texas at Arlington

Stephen Mattingly, University of Texas at Arlington

Nicole Iroz-Elrado, Willamette University

Nithisha Gudipati, University of Texas at Arlington

Key Takeaways

• Actionable policies
  • – Incorporate transportation vouchers into women-centered social services to help address immediate barriers.
  • – Expand paratransit services tailored to the needs of specific populations, such as pregnant women and low-income families.
• Stakeholder engagement
  • – Encourage collaboration among transit agencies, key employers, and community representatives to ensure services align with real-world needs.
  • – Apply a gender lens to stakeholder engagement, prioritizing economic factors and transit considerations specific to women.
• Community-centered approaches
  • – Support flexible transportation options, such as microtransit, to better align with users’ schedules and travel patterns.
  • – Consider the broader impacts of transit access on family and community well-being when designing services.

• Potential future research directions
  • – Investigate the intersection of transportation access and social determinants of health, particularly for women and children.
  • – Examine travel behaviors of nonbinary individuals and incorporate dynamic gender perspectives into research.
  • – Analyze the long-term implications of transportation inequities on economic mobility and generational stability.

Summary

Research Session D, moderated by Mehri Mohebbi, explored the barriers to mobility and transport disadvantages that disproportionately affect underserved populations. Presenters Courtney Cronley and Maria Laura Guerrero Balarezo shared research on gendered transportation inequities, the relationship between accessibility and marginalization, and the methodological challenges in capturing nuanced travel behaviors. This session focused on how mobility barriers create economic and social burdens, particularly for women.

Cronley’s study examined how transportation inequities affect caregiving responsibilities and economic participation. Her research emphasized the cascading effects of mobility limitations on families and community well-being. She highlighted the need for disaggregated data to better reflect the diverse travel needs of older women, immigrant populations, and those with language barriers.

Guerrero Balarezo presented findings from her spatial analysis of transport-related social exclusion in Canada. Using accessibility and marginalization indices, her research identified areas where women face the highest risk of transportation disadvantage. The results revealed that women in rural and peri-urban areas experience greater risks of exclusion, despite central locations having better accessibility metrics.

Guerrero Balarezo also discussed methodological challenges in transportation equity research. She pointed to data limitations in rural areas and difficulties in scaling national datasets for local relevance. She called for more comprehensive data collection efforts in smaller municipalities to ensure historically overburdened populations are accurately represented.

Both presentations acknowledged limitations in their studies, including reliance on aggregated datasets, challenges in collecting localized data, and the risk of reinforcing stereotypes without nuanced analysis. Despite these challenges, the research provided valuable insights into addressing transportation inequities and improving mobility solutions.

Research Session E: Gendered Experiences Using and Accessing Transit

Presenters

Léa Ravensbergen, McMaster University, Moderator

Pearl Liu, Cambridge Systematics

Maria Calahorra-Jimenez, California State University at Fresno

Co-Presenters

Greer Cowan, California Air Resources Board

Gustavo Garcia Melero, University of Colorado, Denver

Alejandra Valencia-Vásquez, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Key Takeaways

• Safety awareness: Women often report feeling less safe than men across all types of transit. Their concerns often stem from both heightened awareness and personal experiences of insecurity, including harassment or crime.
• Harassment experiences: Unwanted sexual gestures, comments, and other forms of harassment are widespread and disproportionately affect women.
• Personal safety measures: Many women take precautions such as sharing live locations and avoiding poorly lit spaces.
• Suggestions for safety:
  • – Improved lighting and infrastructure to reduce hidden or unsafe spaces.
  • – Emergency buttons and surveillance cameras in transit vehicles and at stops.
  • – More female drivers and staff to increase comfort levels.
  • – Gender-segregated transit spaces as a controversial short-term option.
• Long-term solutions: Inclusive transit design and cultural education can contribute to safer transit environments for all passengers.

Summary

Research Session E, moderated by Léa Ravensbergen, explored the challenges of safety and security in public transit services. Presenters Pearl Liu and Maria Calahorra-Jimenez shared studies conducted in San Francisco and Chile, highlighting gendered differences in transit experiences. Women consistently reported feeling less safe than men in all transit modes and settings, particularly at bus stops and during nighttime travel. In Chile, only 6 percent of women felt safe walking to bus stops at night, compared to 30 percent of men, while subway stations had slightly better safety perceptions. Fear of sexual harassment was a major deterrent to women’s transit use.

Harassment experiences, such as unwanted sexual gestures, inappropriate comments, and groping, were significantly higher among women, with 67 percent reporting experiences like unwanted sexual looks while walking to bus stops. To cope with these safety concerns, women often adjusted their behavior by sharing live locations, staying in well-lit or crowded spaces, and even altering their clothing choices.

Suggestions for safety improvements included better lighting, more visible emergency infrastructure, female drivers, and women-only transit spaces. While gender-segregated options, such as women-only buses or subway cars, were considered as short-term solutions, their long-term impact and inclusivity remain topics of debate.

The session emphasized the importance of addressing safety concerns in public transit through both immediate improvements (e.g., enhanced lighting and emergency buttons) and long-term strategies (e.g., cultural education and inclusive transit design). While women-only spaces were noted as a potential short-term measure, they could also reinforce gender divisions without addressing deeper systemic issues. Moving forward, a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable transit users is key to making public transit safer and more accessible for everyone.

Research Session F: How Gender Affects People’s Travel Behavior and Experiences

Presenters

Eve Moir, LA Metro, Moderator

Sharmin Nasrin, Arizona State University

Oxana Ivanova, Tampere University

Erika Shepard, MnDOT

Suzanne Childress, Puget Sound Regional Council

Co-Presenters

Alyssa Ryan, University of Arizona

Steve O’Hern, University of Leeds

Key Takeaways

• Intersectional data collection: Data that reflects diverse gender identities, socioeconomic conditions, and local demographics helps support informed decision-making.
• Qualitative and quantitative synergy: Combining personal experiences with numerical data offers a more complete view of user needs and transit use.

• Equity-focused infrastructure development: Multimodal facilities and walkable neighborhoods that consider all ages and abilities can help create more inclusive access.
• Navigating institutional resistance: Framing equity-related topics in ways that resonate with different stakeholders may help maintain progress while easing pushback.
• Adapting post-COVID-19 planning: Pandemic-driven changes like telecommuting have shifted travel patterns, prompting a need for more flexible, user-centered transportation systems.
• Cross-sector collaboration: Working across academia, industry, and policy sectors can lead to shared knowledge and broader changes in equity-related practices.
• Inclusive data practices: Approaches like anonymized, open-ended survey questions may help include underrepresented voices, especially in politically sensitive contexts.
• Ongoing advocacy and education: Continuing dialogue and awareness efforts around gender equity in transportation can help integrate these ideas into long-term planning.

Summary

Research Session F, moderated by Eve Moir, explored the experiences and travel behaviors of people across a range of gender and sexual identities. The presenters included Sharmin Nasrin, Oxana Ivanova, Erika Shepard, and Suzanne Childress. This session focused on how gender, data collection, and transportation equity intersect, with an emphasis on meeting a wide range of user needs. Presenters pointed out the limits of using only quantitative data, which often fails to reflect the everyday experiences of women, nonbinary, and transgender individuals. Integrating qualitative methods was described as an important step to fill this gap.

The discussion also touched on how travel patterns have changed since COVID-19, including more remote work and shifts in caregiving roles—changes that have especially affected men. However, data about these trends remains limited, particularly when looking at how race, ethnicity, gender, and income interact.

Speakers described the difficulty of bringing equity-focused planning into state departments of transportation, where resistance to gender-based approaches can be strong. Some suggested that how these issues are presented can make a difference in how they are received. Collaboration among researchers, government agencies, and policymakers was seen as a way to share ideas and address institutional barriers.

Participants also talked about the role of safe, accessible infrastructure, such as protected cycling facilities, sidewalks, and equitable transit systems, in supporting communities that have often been overlooked. Breaking down barriers between

research and real-world practice was seen as one way to help these findings lead to action.

The session concluded with a discussion on collecting inclusive data in environments where information about gender identity is limited or restricted. Some presenters mentioned strategies like open-ended survey responses and anonymized responses as ways to gather useful input. Others pointed to the role of continued advocacy and education in making transportation systems more adaptable and inclusive as user needs continue to evolve.

Research Session G: The Role of Transportation in Human Trafficking

Presenters

Maryanne DeMarco, CAPA, Moderator

Elizabeth Pfenning, U.S. DOT

Shayna Goldsmith, University of Texas at Austin

Kezban Yagci Sokat, Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose State University

Co-Presenters

Marisa Auguste, Connecticut Transportation Institute

Gian-Claudia Sciara, University of Texas at Austin

Christi Wigle, United Against Slavery

Chris Baglin, United Against Slavery

Key Takeaways

• Gaps in effectiveness and evidence: While transportation systems are used to combat human trafficking, there is little empirical evidence showing that these efforts achieve their intended goals of identifying and reducing trafficking.
• Awareness and training gaps: Many transportation workers lack awareness and confidence in recognizing trafficking cases. Training programs tend to focus mainly on sex trafficking, often neglecting labor trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
• Survivor-centered research: Speakers emphasized the need for survivor-partnered research to ensure anti-trafficking efforts reflect lived experiences and do not cause unintended harm. Survivor involvement could go beyond consultation to include meaningful collaboration.

• Call for data-driven decision-making: The session highlighted the role of data in evaluating anti-trafficking interventions. Future research may explore broader impacts on affected communities rather than focusing solely on case reports.
• Awareness of labor trafficking: Labor trafficking is often overlooked compared to sex trafficking. Expanding discussions and training materials could help address this gap and bring more attention to labor exploitation within anti-trafficking initiatives.
• Surveillance risks and equity: The role of surveillance in transportation was discussed, with concerns about how monitoring practices may reinforce systemic biases or disproportionately target certain communities.
• Potential future research directions: Longitudinal studies, improved data collection, and research into the lasting effects of anti-trafficking policies in transportation could provide more insight. This includes examining both legislative and operational impacts.

Summary

Research Session G, moderated by Maryanne DeMarco, examined the role of transportation in human trafficking. Presenters Elizabeth Pfenning, Shayna Goldsmith, and Kezban Yagci Sokat focused on how transportation systems and personnel are involved in anti-trafficking efforts, while also highlighting significant gaps and unintended consequences of these interventions. Many transportation policies position employees as frontline observers, using public awareness campaigns, training programs, and reporting mechanisms to identify trafficking. However, speakers noted that, despite these efforts, their effectiveness remains largely unproven, and some interventions may unintentionally harm vulnerable communities.

One key concern was the reliance on transportation workers to report trafficking based on “plain view” surveillance, where privacy expectations are lower in transit spaces. These methods often place additional scrutiny on historically overburdened groups, including undocumented immigrants and sex workers, increasing their exposure to law enforcement actions.

Findings from a large-scale study, funded by U.S. DOT and involving about 4,000 participants—including transportation workers, survivors, and service providers—revealed a disconnect between policy goals and real-world outcomes. While public awareness campaigns lead to more reports of suspicious activity, they often fail to deliver meaningful humanitarian benefits. Instead, they tend to increase arrests without improving prosecution rates, reinforcing racial and gender biases that disproportionately affect people of color and immigrants, who are frequently categorized as either traffickers or victims. Speakers argued that these stereotypes create additional barriers to justice and mobility for already marginalized groups.

A lack of training and awareness among transportation personnel was another major issue. A large share of participants did not feel confident identifying trafficking indicators, with 85 percent reporting they had never encountered trafficking despite completing training programs. Many workers feared retaliation for making a false report, further discouraging intervention. These challenges suggest that current training methods may not be as effective as intended and that more comprehensive approaches—including coverage of labor trafficking—could help close these gaps.

The discussion also raised concerns about surveillance-based anti-trafficking strategies, which often exclude survivor perspectives. Policies designed to protect victims can sometimes result in harm, such as detention under the guise of “protection” or deportation despite eligibility for legal relief. Women who defend themselves against traffickers are sometimes criminalized, compounding the injustices they face.

Speakers emphasized the role of survivor-partnered research in shaping policy. Survivors could be involved as active participants rather than just informants to ensure that anti-trafficking initiatives prioritize their needs. Expanding engagement to include sex workers, formerly incarcerated individuals, and other impacted groups may lead to more equitable solutions.

The session concluded with considerations for future research, particularly on the long-term effects of anti-trafficking policies and how survivor-led insights can refine these efforts. Speakers discussed potential strategies such as discouraging anonymous tips to reduce bias, relying on nonpolice personnel for initial assessments, and ensuring that individuals provide informed consent before law enforcement is involved.

Research Session H: Spatial Accessibility and Gender

Presenters

Mehri Mohebbi, University of Florida Transportation Institute, Moderator

Evelyn Blumenberg, UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

Aditi Misra, University of Colorado, Denver

Claire McGinnis, University of California, Davis

Anastasia Soukhov, McMaster University

Co-Presenters

Manish Shirgaokar, University of Colorado, Denver

Shubhayan Ukil, University of Michigan

Sneha Naga Tallavajjula, University of Colorado, Denver

Wesley Marshall, University of Colorado, Denver

Maria Carolina Lecompte, University of California, Davis

Léa Ravensbergen, McMaster University

Lucía Mejía-Dorantes, Consultant

Antonio Páez, McMaster University

Key Takeaways

• Integrated frameworks: Accessibility measures can incorporate both quantitative and qualitative factors, including safety concerns, environmental fears, operational issues, affordability, and usability.
• Equity and sustainability: Improving accessibility for low-income urban populations is important, but sustainability efforts also require solutions for car-dependent suburban and rural areas with limited transit options.
• Gender-specific planning: Understanding the unique mobility constraints faced by women can help inform more equitable accessibility strategies.
• Potential future research subjects: Advanced methodologies, such as self-organizing maps and activity-space analysis, may offer deeper insights into spatial accessibility and its relationship to socioeconomic disparities.

Summary

Research Session H, moderated by Mehri Mohebbi, explored how spatial accessibility and gender intersect. The presenters included Evelyn Blumenberg, Aditi Misra, Claire McGinnis, and Anastasia Soukhov. Their research highlighted the multidimensional nature of accessibility, emphasizing the impact of income levels, caregiving responsibilities, and gender roles on individuals’ ability to reach essential destinations.

Discussions revealed that while lower-income households often live in areas with better proximity to services, these spaces may still present barriers related to affordability, safety, and usability. Gender-specific constraints, such as caregiving duties and safety concerns, were key factors shaping mobility patterns. Researchers also explored new methods, including self-organizing maps, to classify neighborhoods based on accessibility and the diversity of available services. These approaches provided a more detailed view of the spatial and social factors influencing access to transportation and essential services.

The session emphasized the need to consider a wide range of accessibility factors in urban planning. Speakers discussed moving beyond traditional metrics that focus only on proximity or travel time, advocating for frameworks that include social constraints such as affordability and safety. The discussion also touched on systemic biases that affect access to resources. Findings highlighted the role of inclusive and equity-focused

strategies in transportation planning to create urban environments that serve all populations, particularly historically underrepresented groups.

Another key topic was the balance between equity and sustainability in urban accessibility planning. While lower-income households tend to live in areas with better access to essential services, these neighborhoods often face displacement risks due to gentrification. This can threaten community stability and raises the need for policies that preserve accessibility for vulnerable residents. At the same time, wealthier households, which are often located in areas with fewer transit options, present challenges in reducing car dependency while ensuring access to equitable multimodal transportation.

The session concluded with discussions on integrating environmental sustainability, equity, and inclusivity into urban planning. Speakers explored holistic strategies that address diverse mobility needs—ranging from walkability to public transit—while promoting long-term community well-being.

Research Session I: Gender and New Mobility

Presenters

Brittney Gick, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Moderator

Fariba Siddiq, UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

Natalia Perez-Bobadilla, Shared-Use Mobility Center

Co-Presenters

Brian D. Taylor, UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

Hannah Willson, Shared-Use Mobility Center

Lauren N. McCarthy, California and Western States Programs at SUMC

Henrik Nolmark, Living Cities and Communities

Marie Thynell, University of Gothenburg

Key Takeaways

• Rethinking mobility hubs for women and caregivers: Mobility hubs can function as more than transportation nodes by addressing women’s specific needs. Features such as well-lit waiting areas, child-friendly amenities, and rest spaces may improve safety, convenience, and caregiving support. These hubs could also adapt to changing user demands throughout the day.
• Expanding equity in transportation access: Research showed that dense, lower-income, and ethnically diverse neighborhoods rely more on ride-hail services, reflecting gaps in public transit. Addressing these disparities may

• involve enhancing infrastructure and making transit systems safer and more accessible, particularly for women in underserved areas.
• Innovating design with community voices: Community-driven insights can help shape user-centered mobility solutions. Some participants emphasized the importance of accessible restrooms, affordable public spaces for safety and leisure, and child-friendly environments. These perspectives highlight the value of including women and caregivers in the planning and design process.

Summary

Research Session I, moderated by Brittney Gick, featured presentations by Fariba Siddiq and Natalia Perez-Bobadilla. This session examined how gender and caregiving roles shape transportation needs. Presenters explored how ride-hail services and mobility hubs could be adapted to better serve these populations, with a focus on safety, accessibility, and universal design.

Case studies revealed that, for example, in Los Angeles, women—especially those in households with fewer cars than drivers—use ride-hail services more frequently than men for household-related trips. Fariba Siddiq’s research found that safety and convenience are top priorities for women, with ride-hail services seeing the highest use in lower-income neighborhoods. However, safety concerns—especially when sharing rides with strangers—remain a significant drawback. Features such as gender-based driver selection and stronger harassment protections were noted as potential areas for improvement.

The session also examined mobility hubs, which serve as centralized locations connecting different transportation modes. Natalia Perez-Bobadilla’s research noted that these hubs often do not accommodate the needs of women and caregivers, who may be managing strollers, dependents, and accessibility barriers. Data showed that children and young girls primarily use public transit, while older women and those with disabilities rely more on paratransit services. Mothers, by contrast, frequently opt for cars because of safety, comfort, and convenience, underscoring the current limitations of transit infrastructure. Presenters referenced European examples where mobility hubs function as active public spaces, demonstrating how cultural and design elements can influence travel choices.

The discussion included ideas for designing mobility hubs with features that prioritize safety, caregiving responsibilities, and accessibility for all ages and abilities. Clean and welcoming environments, adaptable services, and reliable transit connections were identified as important considerations. Accessible amenities such as restrooms, seating, and well-lit spaces were noted as key factors in creating a sense of comfort and security. The session emphasized the need to address both physical and informational barriers in transportation systems, moving beyond basic functionality to create spaces that serve as welcoming public environments.

Future research directions may include expanding geographic representation and integrating gender-sensitive infrastructure into transportation planning.

Research Session J: Gender Diversity and Workforce

Presenters

Léa Ravensbergen, McMaster University, Moderator

Jodi Godfrey, Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida

Julia Leone, Short Line Safety Institute

Megan Peterson, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Maria Calahorra-Jimenez, California State University at Fresno

Co-Presenters

Samantha Lacey, University of Connecticut

Nicole Tyler, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Gustavo Garcia Melero, University of Colorado, Denver

Frances Yue, California State University at Fresno

Key Takeaways

• Representation gaps persist across gender, race, and ethnicity: The transportation and engineering sectors continue to be mostly male and White. Women and racial minorities remain underrepresented, especially in leadership and technical roles. Women from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds often face specific challenges in seeking opportunities, receiving recognition, and overcoming biases.
• Intersectional barriers to equity: Although gender diversity efforts have increased women’s presence, they often do not address the layered barriers faced by women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of other marginalized groups. Practices like tokenism or surface-level diversity initiatives may limit real inclusion and leave some voices out of decision-making.
• Approaches to inclusion: Strategies such as diversifying hiring panels, offering skill-based mentorship, and building community partnerships may help close gaps in representation. Supporting inclusive environments can involve training for managers, setting clear expectations for accountability, and creating more accessible career pathways for underrepresented groups.

Summary

Research Session J, moderated by Léa Ravensbergen, explored challenges related to workforce development for women and gender minorities in the transportation sector. The presenters included Jodi Godfrey, Julia Leone, Megan Peterson, and Maria Calahorra-Jimenez.

The session focused on ongoing barriers to DEI in transportation careers. Presenters pointed to the continued underrepresentation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups in leadership roles across transportation fields such as railroads, engineering, construction, and state transportation agencies. While there has been some progress, the pace remains slow. For example, even when women reach leadership positions at rates similar to their presence in the workforce, they are more often appointed during times of crisis than are men.

Women of color and LGBTQIA+ professions often face added challenges, including limited access to mentorship, fewer opportunities for recognition, and less support from supervisors when seeking to advance.

One study shared during the session looked at how gender diversity relates to safety culture in the rail industry. It found that women tend to view their workplace safety culture more positively than men and that management generally has a higher perception of safety than nonmanagement employees. These differences highlight a gap in understanding between leadership and staff when it comes to safety priorities.

Another presentation focused on the civil engineering and construction fields, where attracting and retaining women in heavy civil engineering roles remains difficult. Factors such as workplace bias, struggles with work–life balance, and a lack of inclusive culture were cited as ongoing barriers. Presenters shared examples of mentorship, transparent hiring practices, and targeted retention efforts as possible ways to support more equitable career growth.

The session also addressed the limits of diversity efforts that do not challenge deeper, structural issues. In some cases, efforts at increasing workplace diversity can appear symbolic if the systems behind it remain unchanged. Participants discussed how community partnerships and outside support programs can ease the pressure on individual employees to advocate for change from within.

Overall, the discussions highlighted how leadership plays a key role in shaping more equitable work environments. Presenters discussed the importance of DEI training, consistent communication about organizational values, and strategies that reflect an understanding of how race, gender, and other identities overlap. The findings point to the value of long-term efforts supported by clear action and institutional commitment to inclusion.