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:
Emma Bangar
Corporate Communications Manager
Transport for London (TfL)
How did you get to where you are today?
My dad worked as a coach driver for Bakers Dolphin, a coach company based in Weston-super-Mare. They were looking for staff to work on the daily Weston to London flyer route serving food and making customer announcements. I applied for the job and spent the summer after my A levels serving sandwiches and teas to customers!
I moved to London and completed a degree in Geography and after a few years found my way into marketing and communication roles. Fast forward many years, some more qualifications, a family, and various jobs in the public sector and I ended up in my current role at TfL as Corporate Communications Manager.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
I went back to university as a mature student to study a Masters in communications to get some formal qualifications in marketing and communications. I was studying part-time in the evenings, while working full-time which was a really challenging two years, especially as I had my son during the second year. I naively thought it would be a breeze to carry on studying while on maternity leave which unsurprisingly it wasn’t, so ended up never quite completing my dissertation and left with the Post Graduate Certificate.
If so, how did you overcome them?
Getting a formal qualification in communications gave me the confidence to apply for more challenging roles along with a supportive manager who encouraged me to apply for the course while working.
What do you like about the sector?
I really enjoy working for an organisation that so many people in London and the south east depend on. I am really enjoying supporting the Women in Bus and Coach network, as part of their comms and engagement group, the energy in the room at the events the network has held to date has been really incredible and so positive.
What does a typical day look like?
My role is office based so a typical day is either in the office at Southwark or at home. The work is varied and interesting and I enjoy working with people across the organisation. The work my role covers is really interesting and varied and I feel as though I am always learning something new.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
Go for it – there are lots of allies in the sector and a huge number of careers to choose from, it is so much more than driving, although does also include driving! Don’t be put off by job titles, think about what you enjoy doing and how those skills could be applied to a role in the sector through from working in a garage to office-based roles. We need more women working in the sector to push forward change and achieve equality.
What has been your bus or coach sector career highlight?
Working with the Women in Bus and Coach network has been really interesting, from the launch event to planning what we will do next. I have met some amazing people and it has opened my eyes to the range of opportunities within the bus and coach sector.
The highlight so far was probably the first webinar we hosted as there were so many logistics involved to make it work and we were on a steep learning curve. But it went really well, we had excellent speakers, all of whom were really engaging and interesting, and the response from the people who attended was really positive, it felt like a great achievement.
What three things could the Bus and Coach sector do to improve the industry for Women?
I think continuing to work with higher education organisations to make the industry more appealing as a career choice to young people, particularly young women, leaving school would help. Along with demystifying job titles, by breaking down what a role is and involves rather than just a title which can be off putting if you don’t understand what it involves.
Making space for women returning after maternity leave to work around childcare and creating an environment where men are encouraged to take parental leave.
And finally, improving facilities for women so spaces are welcoming and well-equipped, for example, having males and female changing spaces in all garages.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I am really enjoying working in the transport industry so I hope that in five years’ time I am still here – unless I have won the lottery and am living on my own desert island!
