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.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Sarah Powell
Relief Instructor & Driver
Oxford Bus Company
How did you get to where you are today?
I started at the company nine years ago in January after being a nanny for 26 years. I had decided I wanted a career change and after a lot of thought and looking around, my sister encouraged me to apply and give it ago. I trained and passed all my tests with Oxford Bus and then went on to drive for them. I have done a variety of different routes and during covid I drove a minibus transporting NHS office staff between the different hospital sites in Oxford.
In May 2024 the company advertised for a relief instructor, which I applied for and to my surprise got the job. I went on to do the Woman only group which Go Ahead was trialling. I have taught quite a few trainees to pass their tests and get a real kick when I see them driving out on the road.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
I haven’t always been the best driver and had to work hard at getting me driving up to a high standard, which unfortunately included doing remedial training for a day several years ago. I had got very complacent in my driving which led to carelessness. I’m not proud of this but grateful for the chance to redeem myself and become the driver I am today.
If so, how did you overcome them?
I have learnt from the mistakes I have made and worked hard at improving my driving. Nobody is perfect but I try my best everyday to transport my passengers as safely and comfortably as I can. It’s always lovely to get positive feedback from a passenger as they are getting off the bus.
What do you like about the bus, coach or community transport sector?
I love driving my bus and the feeling of comradeship I get from other drivers, especially after a trying day! We also acknowledge each other when driving past each other on the road and fellow drivers are always willing to help you out or give advice when asked.
What does a typical day look like?
My typical day when in the training school is I’m at work by 7am to catch up on emails, and talk to the other instructors about any issues I or they be having with a particular trainee. The trainees arrive for 7.30am and then we go down to the bus do the daily vehicle check before setting out of the yard. Depending on where we are in the training and how well the trainees are doing will decide on what sort of things we need to work on. At the start of training we concentrate our time on doing one thing several times to get it right and by the end of training we will be doing test routes and general driving with bus stops included.
You have to be patient with their different speeds of learning, encouraging them or correcting them when needed, as well as making it an enjoyable experience. On days where I’m driving my own bus on routes I come in a little before my start time, do a bus check if needed and then leaving the yard to start my route. I always try to smile and be friendly no matter how bad my day is going! I don’t count the hours I have to work, I count how many trips I am doing that day.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus, coach or community transport sector?
My advice would be to go for it! It can be a very rewarding job and not as hard as you think it will be. Bus have great power steering and a good turning circle, you just need to give them more space to manoeuvre, watch your back end and don’t be daunted by the bus size. It always makes me smile when a passenger gets off saying that women are better drivers and how lovely
my driving was.
What has been your bus, coach or community transport sector career highlight?
My highlight would have to be when my trainees passed their driving tests. I am always thrilled for them, as I know they can do it even if they have doubts.
What three things could the bus, coach or community transport sector do to improve the industry for women?
- This is a male dominated industry but more and more women are coming into it. There should be more understanding of women’s health and companies should provide sanitary products free of charge and not expect for us to pay £1 for one item out of the machine. I have set this up at Oxford by placing a box with a variety of products in for ladies to use, as they need to and have noticed that it is being added too by other women.
- There needs to be more understanding with the menopause and the variety of effects it can have in our everyday lives. Having clear guidelines across the industry would help this.
- I would love to have nurseries or crèches being set up for our staff to use not matter what they do for the company and opening for longer than normal hours to help with early starts and late finishes.
What changes have you seen since in the sector since you joined?
Since 2017 I have seen more women come into the industry but like to see even more of them driving buses. Electric buses being used daily around the city. Making it quieter with a lot less emissions polluting the air.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I’m not sure what the future will bring but I’d like to still be instructing, maybe full time and encouraging more women to come into the industry.
Thank you for sharing Sarah, what a great story!
To find out more about who Sarah works for, and career opportunities visit: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/careers
