News

Women in Bus and Coach has unveiled two blue plaques in honour of Helen Clifford, one at Stratford Bus Exchange and one at London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. These plaques recognise Helen’s groundbreaking achievements as London Transport’s first female bus mechanic and celebrate her lasting impact on the transport industry. The Women in Bus and Coach Blue Plaque scheme recognises and commemorates pioneering women who have made significant contributions to the bus, coach and community transport sector. Helen Clifford made history in 1984 when, at just 18 years old, she qualified as London Transport’s first female bus mechanic after ...

Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) has officially expanded its national network with the launch of its new Welsh regional group, marking a significant step in strengthening support, representation and opportunities for women across the bus, coach and community transport sector in Wales. The launch event took place on 8th May at the Transport for Wales offices in Pontypridd, bringing together industry professionals and stakeholders from across the region. Madeleine Goodson, Senior Project Manager at Transport for Wales has been appointed as Chair of the Welsh regional group, alongside Michelle Clarke, Deputy Director for Wales at the Community Transport Association, ...

Women in Bus and Coach has officially launched its new Midlands Region, expanding its growing national network and reinforcing its commitment to supporting and connecting women across the bus, coach and community transport sector. The new regional network was launched at an event on Friday 20th March at the Forest of Arden Hotel, bringing together industry leaders and professionals from across the Midlands. The launch builds on the organisation’s successful London and Northern Regions, which have helped create stronger local networks, mentoring opportunities and industry engagement. The event featured contributions from Laura Hadzik, incoming Chair of Women in Bus and ...

Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Niemczyk, Director at Roberts Travel Group, as the organisation’s newest Board Director. Alex plays a key role in leading and developing Roberts Travel Group across its coach and bus operations. With a strong background in operational leadership and commercial strategy, he is recognised for his commitment to delivering high standards of service while creating positive workplace cultures where people can thrive. Alex brings a clear focus on the importance of investing in talent, supporting career progression, and building inclusive environments that reflect the communities served by ...

On Thursday 12th February, we celebrated the installation of a commemorative blue plaque honouring Maxine Duffus, who made history in 1983 as South Yorkshire Passenger Transport’s first Black woman bus driver. The plaque, now permanently installed at Sheffield Interchange, marks a milestone moment in the transport industry and recognises Maxine’s pioneering contribution to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging across the sector. Speaking at the unveiling event, Maxine Duffus said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. When I first started, I never imagined that my journey would inspire others, but I hope this plaque will encourage more women, especially ...

Women in Bus and Coach is entering a new chapter, with founder and Chair Louise Cheeseman OBE stepping down after three years and Laura Hadzik appointed as her successor. Bringing extensive sector experience as a specialist road transport solicitor, Laura Hadzik, currently a director on the Women in Bus and Coach board, has advised operators of all sizes across the bus, coach and haulage sectors throughout the UK and Europe for nearly twenty years. Laura has also championed diversity throughout her career, reflecting her commitment to inclusion across the transport sector. Laura will officially take over as Chair on the ...