Should there be 'family-only' sections on transit? Recommendations aimed at increasing ridership
The addition of "family-only" compartments on public transit was among several ideas recently proposed to TransLink to increase ridership among women and female-presenting passengers.
The Surrey Board of Trade submitted five recommendations to the transit provider last week, addressing everything from fare costs to women's sense of safety on buses and SkyTrains.
"Women need to feel safe utilizing those modes of transportation," board president Anita Huberman wrote in a letter to TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "However, we know this is not the case as women face the fear of harassment and assault while using transit."
Huberman noted that members of the board have experienced those kinds of alarming incidents personally. Reserving cabs or compartments for families could "make riders feel at ease," and increase their likelihood of utilizing public transit, she added.
Other recommendations from the board included hiring more female staff, improving lighting at transit stops, doubling the length of a single fare to three hours, and conducting research into the specific transit needs of women.
Huberman cited a recent report on Canadian women's transit needs that found women are still "overwhelmingly responsible for the caregiving of children, elderly parents and other relatives," which can mean frequent trips across cities for appointments and meetings, on top of their day jobs.
Asked whether TransLink was considering the board's recommendations, the company said Quinn has reached out to Huberman to discuss the concerns.
In an email, a spokesperson told CTV News that TransLink has already invested in improving lighting at "many stations and exchanges," including Surrey Central Station and several other hubs in Surrey, and is continuously working with police to improve safety.
"In fact, the numbers show we have not seen an increase in the number of crimes on transit. The number of reported crimes against persons has continued to fall year-over-year for the past four years, and is down 32 per cent compared to 2018," the spokesperson said.
Women also make up 40 per cent of SkyTrain attendants already, and just under 22 per cent of Metro Vancouver Transit Police officers.
TransLink encouraged anyone who feels unsafe to contact Transit Police by texting 87-77-77. Riders can also activate the silent alarm system to alert an attendant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.