Dev Mani Sharma is a PhD researcher at the Faculty of Economics and Administration at Masaryk University, working at the intersection of feminist economics, labor economics, gender economics, and transport economics.
His research examines how urban transport policies influence women's mobility, safety, and socio-economic empowerment in cities. By focusing on everyday mobility rather than abstract infrastructure, this work highlights how transport systems can either reproduce or reduce gender inequality.
- Industry relevance tags: Urban mobility, Public policy, Gender equality, Sustainable transport
- Core research problem: How urban transport policies, specifically fare-free public transport for women, can reduce mobility barriers, improve safety perception, and enhance women's socio-economic empowerment.
"Urban transport policies shape not only how women move through cities, but how safe, independent, and empowered they feel within them."
Dev Mani Sharma, The Short Version
- University: Faculty of Economics and Administration, Masaryk University
- Research fields: Feminist Economics, Labor Economics, Gender Economics, Transport Economics, Public Policy
- Domain: Social Policy and Society
Dev Mani Sharma is a PhD researcher in economics at Masaryk University studying how urban transport policies affect women's mobility, safety, and access to education, work, and social opportunities.
His doctoral research evaluates Delhi's fare‑free Pink Pass policy for women using original survey data and quantitative policy analysis.
Beyond research, he is interested in urban innovation, AI‑driven mobility data, and translating academic evidence into inclusive public policy.
Travel, music, nature, and engagement with social issues help him maintain balance and creative energy alongside academic work.
Transport Policy Through a Gender Lens
At the core of Dev Mani's research is an evaluation of the Pink Pass policy in Delhi, India, which introduced fare‑free public bus transport for women. His work explores whether reducing transport costs, combined with changes in perceived safety, can meaningfully expand women's mobility and socio-economic opportunities.
Using his own survey data from 2,142 women, he applies multinomial logistic regression and structural equation modeling to identify how policy interventions translate into behavioral change.
Key Insights From the Data
One of his central findings is the mediating role of safety perception. The Pink Pass policy significantly increased women's post‑reform bus usage, largely because it improved how safe women felt while using public transport.
A one standard deviation increase in perceived safety leads to approximately 1.17 additional bus trips. Mediation analysis shows that improved safety perception explains around 10 percent of the total policy effect on women's mobility.
Notably, previous experiences of violence in public buses do not moderate post-reform safety perception, suggesting that well-designed transport interventions can reshape women's everyday experiences of public space.
Curiosity Beyond Economics
Beyond his PhD, Dev Mani is interested in AI and digital innovation, sustainability, and data-driven urban governance. He is particularly curious about how mobility data and digital tools can support smarter and more inclusive transport systems.
Collaboration and Policy Impact
He would benefit from collaborations with researchers in urban planning, data science, and public policy, as well as with mobility industry experts and government stakeholders. His goal is to connect empirical research with real-world policy design and technological solutions.
What Energises Him
Outside academia, Dev Mani finds inspiration in travel, reading about social issues, public discussions on gender equality, and spending time in nature. DJ’ing & music production, and exploring new places help him recharge and maintain focus throughout his PhD journey.
Looking Ahead
Through this network, he aims to strengthen his interdisciplinary collaboration and science communication skills, particularly in translating academic research into evidence-based policy and broader societal impact.