MODE CHOICE OF MOTHERS TRAVELLING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN MALAYSIA

Transportation has evolved tremendously; concurrently, the discussion on gender-based transportation demands has grown over the last few decades. Attention is increasingly given to women’s needs in transportation, as more women work and travel outside their homes. In developed countries, special considerations of women’s travel needs are aimed to ensure their safety when using public transportation. However, as more women can afford a car and possess a driving license, independent travel has also become more feasible, accessible, and comfortable for women, worsening traffic congestion. This article looks at the challenges faced by women, in particular mothers with young children, when using public transportation in Malaysia. Factors like work-family duties, accessibility and connectivity, preference, and provision of public transportation facilities emerged from the analysis of 194 respondents’ data. To move towards sustainable cities in Malaysia, these aspects of transportation must be explored to promote public transportation usage by mothers with younger children.