HARASSMENT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN'S TRAVEL PATTERNS: EVIDENCE FROM URBAN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The research study aimed to explore the women perceptions harassment in public transport and its impact on women's travel patterns: evidence from urban Pakistan. The study was quantitative in nature based on correlational survey research design. A total of 422 female public transport regular users from urban environments participated in the research through a quantitative data collection approach with open-ended questions. The research relies on feminist theory together with the social-ecological model as theoretical foundations for detailed analysis. A strong 0.72 positive relationship exists between harassment incidents and women's behavioural adjustments in their travel patterns (p < 0.01), according to research findings. The research findings create essential requirements for decisions made by policymakers and transport planners as well as research community members. The author recommends that government officials develop awareness policies and enhance the legal structure combined with educational outreach efforts to fight harassment throughout public transportation systems. This research proposes practical solutions to develop protective public transport systems that allow women to be completely safe when using public transportation and open urban areas. When stakeholders take steps to root out harassment, they can work toward establishing a society based on accountability and respect.