Women dont feel safe on public transit  and its costing them money

Women dont feel safe on public transit and its costing them moneyWomen dont feel safe on public transit and its costing them moneyIn a major city like New York, using public transit is less of an option and mora of a requirement if the goal is to go anywhere. But when women ride the subway, a new report suggests they know theyre likely to fall prey to harassment.Seventy-five percent of female respondents self-reported experiencing some form of harassment or theft while riding New Yorks public transit, according to a survey by New York Universitys Rudin Center for Transportation. More than half of them are worried about being harassed during their rides.When asked how many times they had experienced harassment, respondents included answers such as countless and too many to count.Because of perceived safety threats, women change their behavior on public transit 13% said they dressed differently and 29% dont take late-night trains. Thats compared to only 3% of men who said they changed their clothing and 8% who avoided public transportation after a certain hour.To feel safe, women sometimes opt for a for-hire vehicle or cab service. But those alternatives to public transit weigh heavy on their bank accounts.The Rudin Center estimated that the median extra transportation cost for women because of safety concerns was $26-50 per month, or up to $600 per year. That number multiplies for female caregivers, who are responsible for transporting children and elderly family members, and who face logistical challenges as well as perceived safety risks. The study estimated female caregivers can spend an extra $100 per month, or $1200 a year, on travel.In contrast, men spend a median $0 per month extra on transportation because of security concerns.But all is not lost Experts have suggestions about how to improve the situation so women feel safer as they try to do everyday things, like go to work. For starters, public transit companies could put women in leadership positions to inform their safety systems and make them better for everyone. First responders could get more sensitivity training so that women who report harassment are greeted with the support they need. And technology could be updated so that monitoring and reporting become more effective.Its a fact that women pay more for all kinds of services, but they shouldnt have to undergo financial stress because they feel unsafe coming home from work or after a night out. Heres to finding the solutions that will make everyone feel more comfortable and empowered as they live their lives.