The Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) Northern region was formally launched on 24 March, with Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin (pictured above, centre) joining a gathering at Stourton park-and-ride site in Leeds for the occasion.
Ms Brabin has been named an Ambassador for WiBC in recognition for her commitment to championing inclusivity in public services and transport. The gathering also debuted the advocacy group’s latest blue plaque as part of an initiative that commemorates trailblazers in the industry.
That honours Maxine Duffus (pictured above, second from right), who made history in 1983 as South Yorkshire Passenger Transport’s first black woman bus driver. The blue plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to her legacy and how she inspired future generations to pursue a career in transport. It will be placed in her home city of Sheffield.
The Northern region of WiBC is chaired by First Bus North and West Yorkshire Commercial Director Kayleigh Ingham (pictured above, left). She has thanked Ms Brabin for her support and involvement as an Ambassador and paid tribute to Ms Duffus’s achievements.
“These milestones embody our mission to celebrate the contributions of women and to driver meaningful change within the sector,” says Ms Ingham.
“Establishing our Northern region is a vital step in expanding our reach and ensuring that women across the country have the support, resources and representation they need to thrive in this industry.”
Ms Brabin has commended WiBC for founding a Northern region, noting that it is “a huge step forward” in encouraging more women into the coach, bus and community transport sectors.
“Having a diverse workforce is vital to ensuring that we reflect the varied needs of people who rely on buses in West Yorkshire,” she says.
“We have committed to increasing female representation through initiatives like our bus driver training programmes. Working with this group in my new role as an ambassador, alongside our plans to bring buses back under public control, means that we will be able to unlock even more opportunities for women.”
First Bus provided a Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner for the launch, suitably adorned by Global with promotional vinyls extolling both WiBC and the opportunities that exist for women within the bus industry.
Ms Duffus’s story is described by WiBC Chair Louise Cheeseman (pictured top, right) as “a powerful reminder of the progress we have made and the work still to be done.” Ms Duffus says she is honoured to receive recognition via the blue plaque.
“When I first started, I never imagined that my journey would inspire others, but I hope that this plaque will encourage more women, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to see that they belong in this industry.”
