It’s certainly a different world – but that just makes the D&I Bus Group’s work even more important

 
Go-Ahead is serious about gender diversity

 
BY Chloe Leach-O’Connell

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on where we’re at as an industry, and what’s next for us in this shifting and unpredictable diversity and inclusion (D&I) landscape.

The past few months have felt pretty unsettling as the new world order adjusts into place, and for those of us dedicated to showcasing the importance of D&I and celebrating the obvious benefits it brings, it has felt at times like we’ve been occupying a parallel universe. We’ve heard of global companies citing ‘our work here is done’, claiming they no longer need to back key D&I policies. We’ve seen the president of the United States claim the fire fighter response in Los Angeles was not up to scratch due to its D&I initiatives and Meta’s CEO claiming we need more ‘masculine energy’ to save the corporate world from….well… we’re not quite sure… but does anyone fancy an arm wrestle?

Let’s be honest, we only have to take a look around us to realise that this is very much ‘mission not accomplished’, and as some of the big global names take the lead in the fight against D&I, we have to be resolute in delivering our objectives to make our industry even better – it’s a chance to really shine in this field.

Following the rise of the ‘Me Too’ and ‘Black Lives Matter’ movements, there was a surge in interest from corporates wanting to be on what they considered to be the ‘right side’ of history. It was always the right thing to do if businesses wanted to excel, celebrate and support their colleagues. However, this all feels like a very long time ago, and we now seem to be entering an era where people are pushing back, supported by populist ideals and values; courting leaders who have used this as a currency to build upon fear and create divisions across communities.

In this context, the importance of D&I initiatives cannot be overstated. When I was asked to write my usual upbeat piece about the fabulous progress we’re making within our D&I Bus Group, I felt I couldn’t without reflecting on where we’re at, where we’re really at. It’s certainly a different world, a different landscape, and that just makes everything more important; it simply amplifies the importance of all our efforts.

We continue to draw inspiration from organisations within our industry that are actively pursuing a more inclusive future. Look at First Bus and Go-Ahead, these companies are truly demonstrating a commitment to diversity through internal initiatives that are making significant impacts. A recent FirstGroup event, which I happened upon while scrolling on LinkedIn, gathered 250 colleagues to showcase their dedication to development programmes aimed at retaining and developing talent from under-represented groups. It was inspiring to see.

Go-Ahead is serious about gender diversity. Its targets are set. By the end of this year, the group is aiming to recruit 1,500 women drivers, and it has a target of a 50% gender equality split across all its businesses by 2035.

Go-Ahead is serious about gender diversity. Its targets are set

These companies are proving that it’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about making tangible, long-lasting changes that will shape the future of the transport industry.

Many of you will know that I am the co-chair of the D&I Bus Group, a role I share with my amazing colleague Dal Kalirai. It was established back in 2019, and since then, we’ve been dedicated to promoting and accelerating diversity and inclusion across ‘bus.’ It’s incredible to think we have become one of the leading voices on this topic, and we’ve been influential in this area for over five years now. I’m so proud of the community we’ve built, and it’s the members that make it such a success. It gives all genders, across a huge variety of functions, the opportunity to come together and share experiences and perspectives in an open and safe space. We’re super proud to be able to support and encourage meaningful change through this collaboration.

So what do we get up to, (well to date there’s been no arm-wrestling) but over the past 12 months our virtual meetings have covered a broad range of topics and discussions, all led by inspiring guest speakers. Here’s a taster of some of our sessions:

  • Digital accessibility in transport: how digital ticketing solutions can be designed to ensure accessibility for all, including those in financial hardship and those who are less familiar with technology.
  • The franchised model: understanding the role that diversity and inclusion currently plays within the franchised operation, and pushing for it to play a more pivotal role in the required business structures.
  • Flexible working and how to make it work: exploring how adaptable shift patterns and workplace policies can better accommodate diverse workforces, helping to improve work-life balance and creating opportunities for a wider range of employees.
  • Women’s safety on bus: working with key partners to focus on strategies that create safer environments for all passengers and colleagues.
  • Understanding neurodiversity and public transport: identifying barriers faced by neurodivergent passengers and discussing ways to design a more accessible and supportive transport experience.

All our sessions help in our quest and our collective vision for a more inclusive industry. Additionally, a significant milestone for us in 2024 was the first-ever Inclusive Cab Summit which was led by Caroline Ward, a pivotal member of our group. The summit focused on the importance of inclusive cab design. Caroline’s leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in driving this forward, along with our amazing partners at First Bus, Gareth Hind, and Lois Taylor. They all passionately advocate for designs that cater to all drivers, regardless of gender, physical stature, or ability. This workstream is being carried forward into 2025, as we work in collaboration with organisations such as Women in Bus and Coach and Transport for London, who are doing incredible work in this area.

A significant milestone for us in 2024 was the first-ever Inclusive Cab Summit

We can’t escape the fact that across the globe we have witnessed setbacks in 2025, and it will no doubt become more difficult as the world continues to face these political pressures. There’s no denying that the landscape surrounding D&I efforts has shifted, and it might in the future feel like we’re fighting an uphill battle, but we’ve been here before.

So despite these setbacks we will remain resolute in our commitment. There will always be challenges, but they simply strengthen our resolve to continue striving for a more inclusive industry. The resistance we face is just a reminder of why we do what we do, and it fuels our determination to keep pushing those boundaries.

We’re more committed than ever to make sure our industry remains a place where everyone, regardless of gender, background, or identity, feels valued, supported and empowered.

  • If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Women in Transport D&I Bus Group, email bus@womenintransport.com. Everyone is welcome, and we would love to have you join us.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chloe Leach-O’Connell is the co-chair and co-founder of Women in Transport’s D&I Bus Group. She is the managing director of LOC Consultancy delivering internal and external communication strategies, PR and marketing campaigns. With over 20 years’ experience in the transport industry, Chloe works for clients across both bus and train.
 
This story appears inside the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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