The economic disadvantage of transportation for women in Northern Ontario

This thesis is an investigation of transportation for rural women living in Northern Ontario to establish: (i) travel modes of women in northern Ontario (ii) how women's lives are affected by their transportation options (iii) the extent that transportation is a barrier to employment and labour market services and (iv) what options are available for rural communities in northern Ontario to improve transportation.;This study found transportation has a deep affect on the lives of women living in rural northern Ontario, restricting their participation in social and economic opportunities. Women with lower incomes experience more problems with transportation in terms of affording a private vehicle but other transportation barriers affect all income groups. Service provider organizations must also find ways to connect with clients who do not have reliable transportation with limited resources at their disposal. While there is a high level of interest in improving work related skills in northern Ontario, availability of education and training programs in rural parts of the north is limited. Innovations in service delivery and affordable alternatives to personal vehicles are needed to help women and the region reach their economic potential.