Kirsten Tilleman: Designing for Inclusive Safety on Public Transport

<p dir="ltr">LGBTQI+ public transport (PT) riders face elevated rates of violence based on gender, sexual orientation, and visible “queerness.” This study analyses data from focus groups and interviews with 25 LGBTQI+ women and non-binary individuals. We adapted reflexive thematic analysis to a systems theory framework. Our analysis generated an overarching theme calling for a PT collective safety agreement that draws its safety strength from community relationships and partnerships. Three supporting themes represent areas participants described are necessary for creating a PT environment where they can ride free from fear and violence. Applied to a systems framework, we evaluated the overarching theme as a system that requires PT authorities to enforce consequences for unacceptable behaviour while providing safety support and resources, active allyship, and inclusive communications. For safer and more secure PT networks, PT authorities should consider a systems-level approach that supports multiple interconnected elements with appropriately-sized physical, financial, and personnel resources.</p>