Kathryn Pulham was inaugurated as Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) President on 29 January and used her opening address to deliver a message that coach and bus “is an industry for all.”
She was speaking at the trade body’s 2026 Annual Dinner in London. Earlier that day, the Presidency was handed over by its previous holder, Stagecoach London Managing Director Paul Lynch.
Mrs Pulham – who for many years alongside her husband Andy ran award-winning Cotswolds operator Pulhams Coaches – becomes only the second woman to sit as CPT President.
As an active member of Women in Bus and Coach, and Chair of its coach subgroup, she used her inauguration speech to share how she intends to use her time as Confederation figurehead “to speak up for women in our industry.”
Pointing to women who she describes as “outstanding role models in our sector,” Mrs Pulham notes how many operators are also working hard to deliver a more diverse driver workforce. But in some other areas, more effort is needed, she adds.
“Where are the middle and senior managers rising through the ranks? There simply are not enough. And that is a shame for a modern, public-facing industry in 2026.”
She also draws a contrast in how women can still be viewed within the sector. “Show your feelings and you are an emotional woman who cannot be relied upon. Don’t, and you are cold and untrustworthy. Take your pick.”
That aside, Mrs Pulham told guests that men have a strong opportunity to do their bit for diversity in coach and bus. “Be allies,” she says. “Support your female colleagues. Call out bad behaviour. Show respect – whether that is in the depot, onboard a vehicle, or in the boardroom.”
She is the first CPT President to major on coaches for some years, and used the address to note that while coach and bus each have their own focuses, they possess a lot in common.
“A bit like red and white wine, they complement each other. They have different flavours. They are right for different occasions. But fundamentally, there are kindred spirits and they grow side by side,” Mrs Pulham notes.
Illustrating that the industry holds opportunity for everyone, she describes her own background as having involved studying psychology with an ambition to enter clinical practice. From graduation she worked with people facing addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness.
“Apart from being a passenger, I never really thought about the world of bus and coach,” she continues. That changed upon meeting her husband. “I embraced the opportunity to run the company together, and I quickly realised what makes the coach industry so special. It is because you have to be able to turn your hand to anything.”
Describing the Presidency as “a privileged position,” Mrs Pulham has called upon CPT members to assist in providing data that can be used to help shape government policy on coach and bus.
“When you are asked for it, provide data,” she says. “Whether that is Cost Monitor, passenger numbers, workforce strategy, decarbonisation, or border crossings. CPT needs your input because data means evidence – and you cannot build a winning case without compelling evidence.”
Mrs Pulham has kindly agreed to continue the President’s Diary column in routeone. Her first will be published in the February issue.
