“It’s Just, You Don’t Have a Ride:” Transportation Experiences of Rural Women on Probation

Abstract

Increased incarceration rates of women in small county jails raises questions about how women experience reentry in often under-resourced rural areas. This study examined links between transportation, supervision requirements, and risk for women living in rural towns during probation. Travel data of 25 women and thematically analyzed interview data of four probation officers and five women representing 11 rural towns in a Northeastern State are understood using the vulnerable populations conceptual model (VPCM). Findings confirmed high travel need with limited transportation access, which corresponded to risk in mothering roles, housing, and relationship safety. Policy implications and future research are discussed.