A bus driver who was crowned Woman of the Year award at this year’s Women in Bus and Coach Awards has spoken of her shock at receiving the honour.
Michele Elliot, who worked for First Bus in Aberdeen, also won best Best Woman in Bus at the ceremony in Birmingham on 30 September.
A driver with the operator for 15 years, she says of surprise at hearing her name called out at the Women in Bus and Coach Awards: “I have no words. What the heck? I’m speechless.”
Ms Elliot was nominated by her colleagues for providing mental health support at work and out-of-hours, including mentoring, and promoting wellbeing in the Aberdeen community.
She spoke of the honour she felt to be in attendance at the associated annual summit of Women in Bus and Coach, which works to promote diversity in the industry.
“The room was filled with some very talented women within the bus and transport industry from all over the UK, from managers to front-line staff,” she says.
“For them to announce my name, I was astounded and emotional but felt so proud as an employee of First Bus.”
Giving cause for a double celebration for First Bus Scotland, her Glasgow-based colleague Tony McEwan won the Allyship award.
Mr McEwan, who has been a driver at the at the Caledonia depot since 2019, was recognised for championing inclusivity and support for female and LGBTQ+ colleagues. He is also noted for charitable work with groups involved in domestic abuse of women and respite for young mothers.
He says: “Events like this are important to showcase just how many talented women are in the industry and to attract other women into transport. It’s also great to learn the experiences of women getting into what was once perceived as a male-only industry.”
Linda Shields, Operations Director of First Bus Scotland, adds: “Michele and Tony are enjoying long careers with us. It is their experience and willingness to embrace new ideas about the workplace culture we want to develop and inclusivity which makes them such strong role models for all colleagues.
“First Bus is continuing to develop into a business where everyone can be their true selves and succeed. This national recognition is further evidence of the progress we are making.”
