In 2019, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) released its landmark study, Understanding How Women Travel, which revealed a crucial insight: women make up the majority of bus and rail riders in Los Angeles County. As a direct response, Metro launched its first‑of‑its‑kind Gender Action Plan (GAP) to better align the agency’s policies, transit services and infrastructure with the needs of its largest rider group. STV served as the prime consultant for this groundbreaking effort, partnering with experts from TransLink Consulting, Fehr & Peers, Ohana Vets and academic leaders from UCLA and Mount Allison University.
What challenges did STV address?
Metro sought to deeply understand the different ways women and gender‑diverse riders navigate the transit network – and where gaps in safety, access, convenience and affordability existed. Gathering representative input from riders, operators, community-based organizations and decision‑makers required a comprehensive, inclusive engagement strategy. The challenge: translate lived experiences into actionable transit improvements.
What solutions did STV deliver?
Over 18 months, STV led a multi‑layered research and engagement approach. The team facilitated advisory committees, internal Metro staff interviews, and focus groups with community organizations, and collected feedback from riders of all genders. STV helped shape policy and design recommendations centered on:
- Station and stop design improvements
- Fare policy strategies
- Safety initiatives
These recommendations serve as a roadmap for equity‑driven transit operations and long‑term planning.
How does this project benefit the region?
The Gender Action Plan enhances safety, comfort and reliability for millions of daily riders –especially women, caregivers, shift workers and other groups who depend heavily on transit. By strengthening transit access for all genders, the GAP supports more equitable mobility across Los Angeles County.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Metro’s first‑ever Gender Action Plan
- Recommendations shaped by 18 months of engagement
- Collaboration with community partners and academic experts
- Builds on Metro’s groundbreaking Understanding How Women Travel study
