Transport Minister addresses Women in Bus and Coach awards event
Women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry have been celebrated at a Women in Bus and Coach awards event today (8 October 2024).
During the event, Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, discussed Women in Bus and Coach’s key aims to stand in solidarity across the profession, uplift female role models in engineering, driving and management and challenge industry policies that do not meet women’s needs.
“I was delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the bus and coach industry up and down the country” – Women in Bus and Coach
Simon Lightwood said: “I was delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the bus and coach industry up and down the country.
“Our plans to deliver better buses will end the postcode lottery that has determined the quality and frequency of bus services for too long.
“As we deliver this biggest overhaul to buses in a generation, the work of each and every driver, engineer, manager and the countless others who keep our country moving will be vital.”
The Minister also spoke to young engineers in the industry, following a panel event on opportunities for young women. He heard from Lucy Hough (First Bus), Liz Eades (Stagecoach South East) and Hannah Currie (Wrightbus), who all discussed the barriers facing women in the industry and their experiences as engineers in a male-dominated sector.
“In Greater Manchester we’re bringing buses back into local control, with cheaper fares, better buses and, crucially, more reliable services all attracting more people onboard” – Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham
Attendees at the event also heard from Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, who said: “In Greater Manchester we’re bringing buses back into local control, with cheaper fares, better buses and, crucially, more reliable services all attracting more people onboard.
“Our success is down to the hard work and dedication of Bee Network staff, including the many brilliant women working tirelessly to deliver a great service to the people of Greater Manchester, whether that’s driving buses, working at our bus stations, interchanges or Travelshops, or leading our franchising programme.
“It was fantastic to see that recognised today, and as we grow the Bee Network and take forward our plans to transform technical education in Greater Manchester through the MBacc, we want to encourage even more women into the industry.”
“I am proud to see the incredible achievements of women across our industry celebrated at the 2024 Women in Bus and Coach summit” – Louise Cheeseman, Chair and Founder of Women in Bus and Coach
Louise Cheeseman, Chair and Founder of Women in Bus and Coach, said: “I am proud to see the incredible achievements of women across our industry celebrated at the 2024 Women in Bus and Coach summit. This event not only highlights the inspiring individuals shaping the future of the bus, coach and community transport sector, but also reinforces our collective commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women.
“We warmly welcome the government’s plans to deliver the biggest overhaul of bus services in a generation, and we look forward to working together to ensure these changes empower a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative future for all.”