Driving Change Together is our research report into women’s experiences of working in bus and coach, launched for International Women’s Day 2026 and produced in partnership with Women in Bus and Coach.
Below you’ll find some highlights from the report. Or you can download the full report.
Report summary
Women working in bus and coach help drive the nation. But too many women still drive without easy access to a toilet, in cabs designed for someone else, on rosters that ignore parental responsibilities and women’s health.
When we give women what they need: toilets, time, flexible rosters, informed managers, inclusive PPE, and visible role models; we gain everything that keeps our industry moving: safety, skill, loyalty, and leadership. We believe this is firmly in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Give to Gain.
Key findings
Facilities first: 1 in 4 women raised toilets and hygiene as a barrier; fixing this is non‑negotiable.
Give facilities and layover time.
Gain safety and retention.Health matters: 1 in 4 referenced menopause/periods/pregnancy.
Give inclusive rosters and policies that work with women’s bodies.
Gain happier and healthier employees.Managers make or break it: The most cited issue was manager/HR support.
Give empathetic and consistent leadership training.
Gain trust, confidence and loyalty.Culture counts: Women still report boys’ clubs, banter, and respect gaps.
Give active allyship and support.
Gain safety, retention and inclusion.Representation changes outcomes: Visibility of women across depots and in senior roles normalises inclusion and lifts advocacy.
Give opportunity and clear development pathways.
Gain belonging, progression and retention.
What success looks like
Accessible toilets on every route and layover standards that reflect women’s health
Every depot leader completes allyship and authority‑gap training
Clear and publicised women’s progression pathways
Depot‑based mentoring for drivers and apprentices
Trialling term‑time and predictable part‑time rosters where operationally feasible
Inclusive PPE and uniform
Audit cab ergonomics with women drivers
The full report is available for free on our Research page.
Inclusion is good for people and performance. Let’s drive change together.
Our D&I Bus Group was founded in March 2019 by Chloe Leach O’Connell and Sonya Byers OBE. We’re a community dedicated to bringing together like-minded individuals to share their experiences and perspectives in an open and safe space. We meet four times a year (virtually), inviting guest speakers to share their expertise. Our mission is to support and encourage meaningful change through collaboration and shared insights. If you want to help drive change together, then you can contact us here.