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Gender-Specific Transportation Costs and Female Time Use : Evidence from India’s Pink Slip Program

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  • Chen,Yutong
  • Cosar,Kerem
  • Ghose,Devaki
  • Mahendru,Shirish
  • Sekhri,Sheetal

Abstract

Reducing gender-specific commuting barriers in developing countries has complex effects on women’s labor dynamics. The paper studies a program that offers free bus rides for women in several Indian states (the Pink Slip program) using a synthetic difference-in-differences approach to shed light on labor supply and time use decisions of women. It observes decreased bus expenses and time saved on travel. Skilled employed women increase labor supply, while low-skilled married women shift focus to household chores. Unemployed women intensify job searches, yet overall employment rates remain unchanged. The findings highlight that alleviating commuting costs does not uniformly boost women’s labor participation, as gender roles and societal norms continue to shape outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen,Yutong & Cosar,Kerem & Ghose,Devaki & Mahendru,Shirish & Sekhri,Sheetal, 2024. "Gender-Specific Transportation Costs and Female Time Use : Evidence from India’s Pink Slip Program," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10701, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10701
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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