Women-Only Buses Debut in Mexico City

Mexico City has announced plans to dedicate some of its transit system buses for use by women only -- a move made in response to increasing reports of women being groped on crowded buses.

1 minute read

January 23, 2008, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg

"Millions of people cram into subway trains and buses in the Mexican capital, one of the world's largest cities, and women have long complained of abuse from men taking advantage of overcrowding to sneak in an inappropriate grab."

"The special buses pull up at ordinary stops but have large pink "women only" signs on the front and side. They were added to two busy routes last week and the city government plans to expand the program to 15 other routes by April."

"Mexico City's transport system, which also includes hundreds of privately operated 'micro' buses, carries twice as many riders as New York's."

"'We were constantly receiving complaints of women being leered at, kissed or followed,' said Carlos Cervantes, spokesman for the city's public bus system."

"Mexico City already had reserved the first three cars in subway trains for women and children but this is the first time the model has been tried in buses."

Thanks to Streetsblog

FULL STORY: Mexico City starts grope-free buses for women

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 in Reuters

Social / Demographics Transportation Mexico

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