Transportation’s 'Pink Tax' Is a Cost Burden on Women

When women don’t feel safe using transit, they use other modes and end up paying the price.

1 minute read

November 13, 2018, 1:00 PM PST

By Camille Fink


New York City Subway Platform

Yanping Nora Soong / Wikimedia Commons

A new report from New York University’s Rudin Center for Transportation says women in New York City travel differently because of harassment and safety concerns on public transit and, as a result, spend more on monthly travel than men.

When women choose to use alternative travel modes, particularly at night, the added cost results in a “pink tax,” according to the report. Researchers found the median extra travel cost ranged from $26 to $50 a month.

“The cost burden falls even more heavily on people who take care of children—and research suggests that about three-quarters of the people doing that today are mothers,” reports Aarian Marshall. In addition to the challenges of traveling with children or elderly relatives, caregivers spend an additional $26 to $50 on travel. 

“The most worrying question is this: What opportunities are women missing because they can’t get around the city safely or cheaply?” asks Marshall. The report offers various recommendations, including improved transit and for-hire vehicle safety, better training for first responders, and more women in leadership positions in transit agencies.

Monday, November 12, 2018 in Wired

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

2 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

3 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

4 hours ago - Cities Today