(DRAFT) Mobility in the child (and carer) friendly city: SEQ vs. Stockholm

Abstract

The rationale for providing state-subsidized public transport has shifted from a social obligation to ensure mobility for those without private transport to an environmental and economic imperative aimed at reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. This shift has prioritised peak-hour commuter services, disadvantaging children and their generally female carers who require trip chaining, off-peak, and weekend travel. Inadequate service scheduling, inaccessible infrastructure, and negative attitudes from service providers hinder their use of public transport. Drawing on feminist geography and child-friendly cities principles, the paper proposes criteria for public transport and infrastructure design that meet the needs of children, babies, and carers, and compares how these criteria are met in South East Queensland, Australia, and Stockholm, Sweden.