Go-Ahead Group has today launched two blue double-decker buses on London’s Route 132, connecting Bexleyheath to North Greenwich, as part of its ‘Go-Ahead Women’ campaign.
This initiative forms part of a national effort by the Group to address gender imbalance within the industry by recruiting 1,500 women drivers across its UK and Ireland bus operations.
The launch event showcased the ‘Go-Ahead Women’ buses, driven by Go-Ahead London’s female drivers, symbolising the company’s commitment to challenging promoting gender equality.
The Go-Ahead Women initiative offers features an eight-week fully paid training program, on-the-job coaching, and mentoring schemes, at an estimated investment of £7.5 million. The company seeks to achieve gender parity by 2035.
“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,” shares Carmen Bell, one of the Go-Ahead London drivers, reflecting on her career choice.
Sandra Fraser, another driver for Go-Ahead London, highlights the positive changes already happening within the industry: “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 at Go-Ahead Group, reiterates the company’s resolve to create a more inclusive workforce. “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.”
