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.
In support of International Women in Engineering Day, today we focus on and find out about:
Eriko Tanaka
Graduate Engineer
Transport for London
Was engineering something you always wanted to do? How did this career come to mind?
I didn’t always know that I wanted to be an engineer, but I’ve always been curious about how things work and been motivated by the idea of helping people. As I explored my interests, I realised engineering would give me the tools to solve real-world problems and make a tangible difference. What really drew me to this career was the opportunity to work on something that directly impacts everyday life, especially in a big city like London, where transport is so central to how people live and move. I’ve been fortunate to have had great support and opportunities along the way and that has inspired me to support others too. For me, engineering is not just about technical skills, but its about using what I’ve learnt to help people and contribute to something bigger.
Did anyone inspire or support you along the way?
I’ve been lucky to have the support of friends and family who always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. I’ve also had colleagues and mentors who encouraged me, gave me the space to grow and supported me throughout my journey. Seeing other women succeed in STEM, whether they were friends, colleagues or people online has been incredibly inspiring as hearing all the different stories of how everyone got to where they are now, pushed me to keep going. I hope to be able to inspire others in the same way.
How did you get to where you are today?
I studied Electronic Engineering at university, which gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and systems thinking. I’ve always had a keen interest in the transport system, especially after growing up in Tokyo, where public transport is incredibly efficient and integrated into everyday life. That fascination stayed with me, and I knew I wanted a job where I could make a real difference in people’s everyday lives. Working in transport, especially in a place like London, means being at the heart of the city and having the opportunity to improve how people move, connect, and experience the city. That sense of purpose is what drew me in.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
Yes, one of the biggest challenges has been navigating spaces where I’ve often been one of the only few women, especially in technical or engineering settings. It can be intimidating at times, and there’s often an unspoken pressure to prove yourself or work harder to be taken seriously. There were moments where I questioned whether I belong, and it wasn’t always easy to find people who shared similar experiences.
If so, how did you overcome then?
What helped me the most was having a supportive community of friends, mentors, and colleagues who encouraged me and gave me space to grow and open about my experiences. I also worked hard to prove to myself that I deserved to be there. I’ve been fortunate that places like TfL have supportive environments that are increasingly aware of the need to be inclusive and to champion diversity.
What do you like about the bus, coach or community transport sector?
I find working in a sector that impacts so many people every day really fulfilling. I love that the bus and coach industry is always evolving with new technology, sustainability goals, and ways to improve the customer experience. It’s a space where engineering, social impact, and innovation meet.
What’s one myth you’d like to bust about being an engineer?
Engineering is incredibly diverse and there’s no one way to be an engineer. You don’t have to be a certain type of person, super technical, always hands on or someone who knew from a young age that they wanted to be an engineer. It’s about curiosity, problem solving and teamwork. You can come from different backgrounds, have different strengths, and still thrive in this field.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus, coach or community transport sector?
Even if you don’t see many people who are like you or share a similar background, that doesn’t mean you don’t belong. The sector is changing and there’s so much opportunity to make a real impact. There will always be a need for new, different perspectives to make sure the service is becoming more accessible for lots of different groups of people. Find a good support network, stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take up space. Your perspective is valuable, and this industry needs more diverse voices to shape its future.
What has been your bus, coach or community transport sector career highlight?
One highlight has been seeing how even small contributions in engineering projects can have a huge impact on people’s lives. Whether its improving accessibility or working on greener, more efficient buses, it’s rewarding to be a part of something that’s visible on the streets every day.
What three things could the bus, coach or community transport sector do to improve the industry for Women?
We need to keep making inclusion a priority at all levels, whether it’s recruitment, promotion, or team culture. It would be good to have more visible role models, mentoring opportunities, and clear progression paths can all help. Collectively, we should keep challenging any outdated perceptions of the industry and celebrate the breadth of roles and people who make up the sector today.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Since I’m currently on the graduate scheme, I’m rotating through different teams and getting exposure to a wide range of exciting projects across TfL. In five years, I hope to be working on a project I’m truly passionate about, ideally something that is driving positive change in this network, like sustainability or accessibility improvements. I’d also love to be in a position where I can support and inspire other women entering engineering field just like how others have supported me.
Thank you for sharing Eriko, stories like yours make a real impact.
To find out more about who Eriko works for, and career opportunities visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/
