Infrastructure
| Sector | Infrastructure |
| Sub-sector | Transport |
| Locations | India |
Issues such as overcrowding on public transport, deserted and poorly lit streets and bus stops, along with a lack of crime prevention features and consideration of the female perspective in infrastructure design have been identified as factors contributing to women feeling unsafe while traveling in India.1
With its partners, Vertelo is incorporating design features seeking to address gender safety risk associated with taking public transport. This includes specific safety enhancement features such as designated seating areas for women, individual duress buttons in the buses and brightly lit waiting areas and security cameras in buses and at depots.
Across a number of routes, passengers can also access bus driver tracking with a live-location feature which seeks to reduce the amount of time waiting at the bus stop or depot.
Bus drivers are also required to undertake gender sensitivity and awareness training, and the company seeks to support female employment through its training and recruitment programs.
Outcome
Through integrating gender consideration in its operations, Vertelo recognises the impact it can have in enhancing the autonomy of women in India. By creating services that enable women to move more freely and safely via public transport networks they have the potential to let women explore a wider range of employment and social opportunities.
target over the investment term2
including gender training for drivers, duress buttons and surveillance cameras
opportunities for women
Vertelo’s commitment to gender equity is incorporated throughout its operations. We aim to cascade this philosophy across the e-mobility sector to promote the safety and inclusion of women in the energy transition.”
Sandeep Gambhir
Chief Executive Officer
Vertelo
At Macquarie Asset Management, we view sustainability as part of our fiduciary duty to protect and grow our clients’ assets. This focus also helps us generate positive outcomes for our investee companies and the communities they serve. Our latest Sustainability Report outlines the progress we have made over the past financial year.
