The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources experts and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
This week our friends and partners at The Community Transport Association celebrates the amazing efforts of everyone in the community transport sector with ‘Community Transport Week 2024’
Every year, in all parts of the UK, millions of people are supported by thousands of community transport staff and volunteers to stay independent, participate in their communities and access vital public services and employment. Community transport is not just about moving people from point A to point B. It is about fostering a sense of belonging, bridging divides, and empowering individuals to access education, employment, healthcare, and social opportunities that are the bedrock of a thriving community.
In honour of Community week, today we focus on:
Caroline Wilson
General Manager
Preseli Rural Transport Association (Green Dragon)
Caroline was a finalist in the Best Woman in Community Transport award at the 2024 Women in Bus and Coach awards.
How did you get to where you are today?
As a volunteer helping children get to activities as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award, one day someone from the local Council phoned me to ask if I needed a minibus to help with transport. At the time I was also supporting an older couple who needed help getting shopping and the Council’s offer made me consider other potential uses for the minibus. After getting together with a few other like-minded individuals we held a meeting to find out more about the difficulties people were experiencing with transport in our rural communities. The meeting was held in the middle of nowhere, but the hall was full of people. That was the start of Green Dragon Bus over 20 years ago and, like other community transport services across the UK, it was born out of a need for accessible and inclusive transport that takes people from door-to-door.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
The Green Dragon community transport service developed over time and I was taking on more responsibility as a volunteer. I’ve always been an organiser and enjoy logistics, but we needed to move towards a formal structure. The challenge was to secure sufficient funding so my role became a paid one, and so we could recruit paid drivers to maintain a consistent level of service.
If so, how did you overcome them?
Positive relationships with the Council helped and they were supportive right from the beginning. Finding the right advice and knowledgeable individuals and organisations to support the ongoing development of Green Dragon was critical to its success. A more personal challenge was finding my voice, as it was important to represent our passengers. This came with time, experience and sheer determination to speak up for passengers who did not have the opportunity to do this for themselves.
What do you like about the Community Transport sector?
Being able to work from home was helpful as I was caring for my disabled husband and had children. The community transport sector can work well for women with young families and caring responsibilities as there is a willingness to provide flexible working. I also really enjoy working with people and in the community transport sector you meet great people, including the passengers, drivers and volunteers.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day starts with checking emails and dealing with any practical issues regarding routes, vehicles or drivers. I love solving problems and talking through solutions with others and I have daily conversations with our Office Manager. We are expanding our routes so I’m regularly meeting new people in neighbouring areas.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the Community Transport sector?
Do it! Whenever I talk to former colleagues they always say how much they miss working in the community transport sector. Being able to help people with their transport requirements is rewarding.
What has been your Community Transport sector career highlight?
It’s been an amazing journey. It was an honour to be asked to speak at the Community Transport Association conference in Birmingham last year. Being Chair of the Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations has been another highlight as we are working together to develop a shared vision for community transport in the area.
What three things could the Community Transport sector do to improve the industry for women?
Women supporting one another is huge, as is creating spaces where women feel safe to discuss anything freely and in confidence. We need more women mentors or supporters. It is important that women have someone to talk to, who messages sometimes to simply ask how you are, so that you feel part of a supportive network.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In five years’ time I will have retired so I see myself in my campervan, dropping in to see other community transport schemes while travelling around the UK.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If there’s something you’re worried about, never be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to take chances either. Even if something doesn’t work out, you’ll learn from the experience, so go for it!
Thank you for sharing your story Caroline, you are truly an inspiration! To find out more about who Caroline works for please visit: https://www.greendragonbus.co.uk/
For details on how you can support Community Transport week: Community Transport Week 2024 | Community Transport Association (ctauk.org)
