Deciding about the effective factors on improving public transit popularity among women in developing countries.

Women usually have more flexibility in time and mode choice and it might be easier to attract them to public transportation (PT) systems. In addition, in developing countries, there are limitations for women in using transportation systems. By specifying effective factors on the popularity of PT systems among women, we can pursue two objectives in developing societies. The first achievement is a decrease in traffic congestion, and the second one is reducing gender discriminations in using PT systems. This study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) and a group of women, living in Tehran (Iran), were interviewed. Based on the results, women's characteristics have the greatest impact on the popularity of regular bus (RB). Especially, an increase in income, education, and availability of passenger cars can significantly reduce the popularity of RB systems. For Metro and BRT, women's characteristics, fare satisfaction, and waiting time have the greatest impact on their popularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]