GAMESlab

Persistent gender inequities in public transport undermine both service quality and social inclusion. This study investigates whether coproduction—the active involvement of citizens in shaping public services—can narrow the knowledge-action gap that perpetuates gendered mobility disadvantages. Focusing on two contrasting Israeli metropolitan areas, Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Beersheva, we ask: How do women and men perceive coproduction as a means to address gender inequality in public transport, and what role do digital technologies play? A qualitative design comprising six gender-segregated focus groups (N = 40) captured travelers' lived experiences, expectations of authorities, and technology use. Thematic analysis revealed three interlinked insights. First, participants recognize systemic gender disparities in safety, comfort, and trip flexibility, yet seldom relay these concerns to public agencies. Second, local governments are viewed as the most legitimate actors to champion gender-sensitive reforms, yet, in practice, passengers channel their complaints through private apps or NGOs, highlighting a legitimacy–action disconnect. Third, while journey-planning apps are ubiquitous, their participatory features remain underutilized, thereby limiting the technology's potential as a conduit for coproduction. By framing the findings through Moore's Strategic Triangle, the paper demonstrates how aligning public value, stakeholder legitimacy, and operational capability could convert citizen insights into more inclusive, data-driven transport policy. The study contributes to public policy and smart mobility scholarship by demonstrating coproduction's capacity to surface gendered needs and by discussing managerial implications, particularly regarding the use of digital engagement to support more inclusive service improvements.