Cross-culturally, certain societal norms impose significant restrictions on women's mobility; this is true within Pakistan as well. Many women are tasked with upholding their family honor, and are confined to the home, or other spaces which may be considered safe, or women friendly. Public transport is a space that often exposes women to sexual harassment and violence, which severely limits their freedom, and equality. These experiences affect women's daily routines, lifestyle, emotional and physical well-being. Data reveals alarming rates of harassment, with 82% of women commuters facing harassment at bus stops and 90% experiencing it on buses. Awareness of protective laws is minimal, with 98% of women unaware of helplines and nearly all unaware of Pakistan Penal Code Section 509 that imposes a punishment with imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine up to Rs. 500,000 both for insulting women’s modesty or causing sexual harassment that occurs in public places including public transport.

Women and their families thus prefer transport facilities that are highly accessible, comfortable and safe, and allow for as much privacy and security as possible. Therefore, women are made dependent on their male family members for transport, which contributes to the existing restrictions on women’s mobility, limiting their opportunities to engage in economic activity, education and other aspects of a fulfilled life. Through the first-ever centralised and equitable transit system of the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), some of these challenges stemming from "forced immobility" have been alleviated, proving to be a crucial resource. Our study aims to explore the impact of the OLMT and its women-only train sections on working women's mobility by examining its influence on their commuting experiences and overall freedom of movement.

To investigate this, we employed multiple research methods to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the OLMT on working women's mobility in Lahore. We conducted interviews, surveys, and secondary research. We used convenience sampling and approached participants during working hours and on working days directly on the OLMT. We targeted working women above the age of 18 who use the OLMT on a regular basis ensuring that our sample was representative of the population of interest. Our field notes provided crucial documentation of various locations, including different stops along the OLMT route and within the women's compartment section of the train. We noted elements such as signage, crowding level, availability of seating, cleanliness, lighting, accessibility features, and social dynamics within the OLMT. We further documented participant characteristics based on visual observations, such as age, attire, and interactions, to understand the diverse demographic profile of OLMT users. This combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection allowed for a triangulation of findings, enhancing the credibility and validity of our research outcomes.

Our study explored the multifaceted impact of this service on women's mobility, revealing insights that blend the promise of modern infrastructure with the persistent challenges of societal norms. The introduction of the OLMT in Lahore represents a significant advancement in public transportation, particularly for working women as evidenced by our study.

Observational data provided a vivid snapshot of the OLMT environment. The OLMT itself was in excellent condition and very well lit. Certain stops were more crowded than others, but generally, the women's section of the train was quite full, often leaving some women standing or sitting on the floor. Women of all ages used the train, from students to elderly women and those with children. These women showcased a diverse range of attire, spanning from traditional eastern garments adorned with dupattas, to professional work uniforms, to younger generations embracing modern, western styles with a more contemporary flair.

The train stations were notably clean, with effective signage guiding passengers. However, the lack of advertisements for the women's compartment was a glaring oversight, potentially deterring new users unaware of this facility. Inside the train, passengers were largely absorbed in their own worlds, engaging with their phones, praying with tasbihs, or resting. Despite the dedicated women's compartment at the rear, the segregation was insufficient. A mere thin ribbon demarcated the women's area from the men's, allowing easy visibility and entry for men, which undermined the sense of safety and privacy. As noted by one of our interviewees who, when referring to the women's-only section, said that “sometimes when males enter with family, it ruins the segregation and encourages more men to enter the train.” This issue seemed to have been exacerbated by the absence of security personnel at the women's compartment or patrolling the train, which could have otherwise rectified this situation.

Survey findings emphasised the OLMT's crucial role in the daily lives of many women. A significant majority of respondents reported using the train frequently, highlighting a strong reliance on this service. The advent of OLMT marked a notable improvement in their commuting experience, with users feeling considerably safer compared to other transportation modes. Satisfaction with seat availability varied, yet it leaned positively, suggesting that the service generally met the seating needs of women passengers. Commute patterns from and to the train stops showed passengers traveling alone or with male family members. Additionally, the OLMT was praised for its cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred choice over more expensive and less reliable alternatives.

The interviews added depth to these findings, offering personal narratives that highlighted both benefits and areas needing improvement. One interviewee expressed discomfort when passengers ate on the train, creating a mess. The limited route of the OLMT was seen as a drawback, with calls for expanded routes to enhance accessibility. The women's compartment was appreciated for providing a more comfortable environment, yet the entry of men, even when accompanying families, was a source of discomfort and compromised the intended segregation. Suggestions for improvement included the introduction of shuttle services to and from the train stations and the issuance of employment cards to facilitate easier access. Another interviewee pointed out that beggars, salespersons, and teenage boys often intruded into the women's compartment, especially during Ramadan, which detracted from the sense of security. Despite these issues, the OLMT proved to be a valuable resource for her, as she was able to send her children on the train safely for the past few months. This highlights the train's potential to offer reliable and safe transportation, albeit with some adjustments needed to fully realize this potential.

The overarching narrative from our study is one of cautious optimism. The OLMT has undeniably enhanced the mobility of working women in Lahore, offering a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional modes of transport. However, the findings also signify the need for continued improvements in infrastructure and policy. Addressing the identified issues will not only improve the commuting experience but also contribute significantly to broader goals of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The OLMT is more than a mode of transport; it is a critical resource that, with continued improvements, can profoundly enhance the lives of working women in Lahore. To foster a safer and more accommodating environment for women commuters on the OLMT system, a comprehensive set of recommendations is proposed. These include enhancing security measures through the installation of surveillance cameras and alarms at OLMT stops, as well as deploying mobile police teams and women traffic wardens to ensure safety, particularly during evening and night hours. Appointing women conductors in dedicated women-only sections of OLMT trains, along with assigning female security personnel to monitor these areas, can further bolster security and provide reassurance to female passengers.

Additionally, implementing proper demarcation, such as privacy doors, in women-only compartments and improving signage to clearly indicate their location can enhance privacy and accessibility. Moreover, introducing shuttle services to and from train stations and issuing employment cards for easier access can facilitate seamless travel experiences for women commuters. To address the demand for seating, it is recommended to allocate more seats specifically for women, ensuring their comfort and convenience. Other recommendations include providing mandatory gender sensitisation training for staff, developing social and cultural communication materials on women's safety concerns, and setting up emergency-only phones at or near train stops for prompt reporting of incidents. These collective efforts can create a more inclusive and supportive public transport system that prioritises the safety and comfort of female passengers, thereby increasing their opportunities to engage in economic activity, education, and other aspects of a fulfilled life.

Zainab Ashraf and Sana Murtaza are recent law graduates from the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law, LUMS. They are interested in further pursuing their legal careers and making a difference.

Notes

1. UN Women, 'Women’s Safety Audit Report' (2018) https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Field%20Office%20ESEAsia/Docs/Publications/2018/05/pk-Women-Safety%20Audit-Report.pdf
2. Idrees, Alvina, and Sarwar, Saima. "Measuring the Accessibility Benefits of Public Transport: An Evidence From Lahore Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT)." Presented at the Second RASTA Conference, Islamabad, 2022, pp. 1–53, Research for Social Transformation & Advancement, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics. Research for Social Transformation & Advancement, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.