An operator has launched a number of new blue London buses. The move by Go-Ahead is to encourage more female drivers.
The blue double decker buses will be operating on route 132 from Bexleyheath to North Greenwich. Officials aims to attract 1,500 women drivers to its UK and Ireland bus operations in a major recruitment drive across the country.
Go-Ahead says that the launch of the ‘eye-catching buses’ earlier this week, which are driven by a number of its London women drivers, ‘signifies the need for a cultural shift within the transport industry’.
READ MORE: TfL changes length of DLR trains on some routes ahead of brand new carriages
Bosses say women currently represent only 11.5 per cent of driver roles. Go-Ahead is also investing £8 million in upgrading bus depot facilities, which includes work to create ‘inclusive working environments’ where female colleagues ‘have opportunities, feel supported and empowered to thrive’.
The Go-Ahead Women initiative offers an ‘inclusive platform for women’, featuring an eight week fully paid training program, on-the-job coaching, and mentoring schemes, which is an estimated investment of £7.5 million. The company aims to achieve gender parity by 2035, a pioneering endeavour in an industry ‘historically dominated by men’.
Carmen Bell, one of the Go-Ahead London drivers, said: “My friends were surprised when I expressed my desire to become a bus driver, but now they see me behind the wheel, interacting with passengers, and they realise it’s a perfect fit for me.”
Sandra Fraser, another driver, said: “I started driving a few years ago, and witnessing more women entering the industry is fantastic. The support, mentorship, and women-only recruitment days make it accessible for anyone considering a career in driving.”
Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer for the Go-Ahead Group, said: “With this new campaign we’re determined to break down barriers in the transport industry and create a workplace where women can thrive. I’m sure there are lots of women who have never thought about being a bus driver and so, this is a perfect way to explore the opportunities available.”
Don’t miss out on the biggest stories from across the city. Sign up to MyLondon’s The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.
Do you have a transport or politics related story that you think MyLondon should be reporting? If so, email [email protected]
