World Association of the Major metropolises
It is a project of “social inclusion” in order to improve the quality of life of women and to ensure that they can easily and safely travel around, and become active participants of their city.
About 24 years ago, based on many complaints received by female passengers, such as being, smashed, groped, or pick pocketing The Urban Public Transportation System for women project started. Since 2006, it started to be effective. Women have a greater need for easy access and physical and psychological comfort because they rely on public transportation much more than men. To achieve the objectives tow steps have been used. First step was the division of buses into two parts and allocation of half of the bus to women exclusively, so as restricting men from that area. There are separated doors for women in order to enter the buses. Second step, some buses have been allocated for females exclusively, special for schoolgirls only. Women can use these in addition to the other regular buses. The goal is to plan the city transportation system while considering the security and travel needs of female commuters. Until now, the results are positive. Women’s daily activities have been increased and, also women have been provided with psychological comfort and security. According to a performed survey, over 79 percent of people agree with the plan of allocating a part of buses/Metro wagons for women only and 83% of surveyed people were satisfied with this plan. In another survey, which consisted of 47 percent women and 53 percent, men, over 85% of surveyed people were satisfied with the efforts and activities that taxi companies perform as well in order to improve the quality of life of women in Mashhad.