Inquire about the existence of a dedicated women's section.
Nighttime Travel: A Safety Conundrum
An issue that still evokes uneasy feelings, especially for women, is nighttime travel, especially amidst the rising instances of crimes involving incapacitating substances. A fresh discussion has been sparked by a petition aiming to introduce segregated compartments for women in public transportation.
This petition, spearheaded by German activist Alex Born, aims to establish safe havens for FLINTA* individuals (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender people) in public transportation, offering peace of mind even late into the night without constant vigilance or apprehension.
Recent statistics from the German Federal Criminal Police Office reveal that more than half of German women choose to avoid public transport at night. Gaining traction, Born's petition has amassed over 23,000 signatures in Berlin. A similar campaign in Hamburg boasts nearly 40,000 backers. One Instagram user voice their support, saying, "I understand your concern and advocate for more safety in public transport."
Nevertheless, question marks linger regarding the fairness of segregation. A recurring comment underneath the petition reads, "Safety should be guaranteed for everyone, not merely certain groups."
Stances Among Experts
German mobility expert Ines Kawgan-Kagan offers a cautionary perspective. She emphasizes the potential dangers of suggesting that safety is only ensured within these compartments, implying that anything outside could be the passenger's fault. Although isolated safe spaces may offer temporary relief, a transport system that ensures safety for all passengers is advisable in the long run.
Women-Only Compartments: The Austrian Perspective
The Austrian perspective on the implementation of special safe spaces for women in public transport is not straightforward. Since 2003, ÖBB has provided women-only compartments, which have since been extended to Nightjet trains. However, utilization is far below expectations, with less than two percent of solo female travelers utilizing these compartments, according to ÖBB. The Vienna public transport system, Wiener Linien, has rejected the prospect of women-only compartments, instead focusing on its comprehensive security measures—over 15,000 cameras, around 300 service and security staff, and emergency call systems in all stations and vehicles.
While women-only compartments can undeniably heighten safety and comfort for female passengers, one must consider their potential drawbacks and societal implications. With limited availability, overcrowding during peak hours can occur, which potentially defeats the purpose of increased safety and comfort. Concerns regarding gender segregation and the perpetuation of social divisions are also valid, as some argue that these compartments may reinforce existing social divisions rather than promoting integration and equality in public spaces.
In the end, the effectiveness of women-only compartments lies in their implementation within specific contexts and societal needs. Serving as a part of a broader strategy aiming to address gender equality and social norms, they can be valuable tools for enhancing women's safety and security in public transportation.
The science of human behavior and mental health might benefit from studying the fear and apprehension experienced by women during nighttime travel, given the rising instances of crimes involving incapacitating substances. In the health-and-wellness sphere, the introduction of segregated compartments for women could play a role in improving mental health, as a more secure public transportation system, such as the one suggested by the petition in Berlin, could offer a sense of peace and well-being for female passengers.
