A survey conducted by the city-based Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) to understand the missing links in public transport in Kochi shows that first and last-mile connectivity is an important factor while using public transport.
The survey also highlights the importance of direct services provided for public transport. Nearly 72% of the total women surveyed said that availability of direct services was very important.
Of the total women surveyed, 54.4% said first and last-mile connectivity was an important factor while using public transport. Similarly, nearly 72% of the women respondents said that availability of direct services was very important.
Cleanliness is key
Apart from safety, the importance of cleanliness in public transport and related infrastructure was cited as an important factor.
The survey was conducted as part of Kochi Public Transport Day (KPTD). The survey highlighted the differences in travel patterns between men and women in relation to main modes of transport, first and last-mile connectivity, and different factors of travel behaviour. The survey reveals that women make more complex trips than men, says a statement issued by the NGO.
Around 60% of the women surveyed take buses for work, shopping, leisure, etc. This reveals that women are more dependent on public transport than men. Just over 30% of the men surveyed relied on buses. Similarly, over 20% of the men relied on cars, while it was a little less than 10 per cent for women. Men and women are almost on par when it comes to relying on Kochi Metro, with around 13% men and 12% women using it.
A total of 73% women and 57% men said that they accorded the pride of place to safe commuting. Coming to the gender-wise preference of different modes of transport for first and last-mile connectivity, nearly 53.2% men and 49.7% women prefer walking for first and last-mile connectivity respectively, whereas 27% of the men use two-wheelers for first and last-mile connectivity.
