Women in Transport is excited to announce our new partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, which covers Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Working with their partners, including North Somerset Council and other local service providers, their aim is to secure investment to make a difference for the area, which is the fastest-growing regional economy in the country.
Their new Transport Vision, published earlier this year, is an ambitious plan to improve transport across the West of England. Mayor Helen Godwin and council leaders believe that high-quality transport is vital to powering the future prosperity of their region and improving people’s quality of life. From better buses and more trains to increased connectivity and improved streets and places, they have a vision for a better-connected West of England.
People who live in the West of England are being asked to have their say through the Next Stop, Better Buses consultation and are benefitting from innovative ideas including Kids Go Free, which has provided more than a million free bus journeys for children and young people over school holidays.
The combined authority is a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter, a voluntary membership and accreditation scheme aimed to create an active network of employers within the West of England who are committed to supporting the basis of 'good work'. The Good Employment Charter is defined by seven key characteristics of good employment: recruitment, secure work, Real Living Wage, developing people, health & wellbeing, flexible work and engagement & voice.
Sonya Byers, CEO at Women in Transport, commented on the newly formed partnership:
"We are delighted to be partnering with the West of England Combined Authority to support more women working in transport. Their commitment to delivering high‑quality, low‑carbon transport solutions and fostering good employment practices aligns strongly with our mission to create a more equitable and thriving transport workforce. We look forward to working together to create opportunities, amplify diverse voices, and support the region’s ambitious vision for the future.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "I am thrilled we are partnering with Women in Transport. This is an exciting time for transport in the West of England, and there are many inspiring women across our team working to transform rail, bus, and active travel in our region.
“Our plans for the future are ambitious, and we need collaboration with partners to deliver them, so a chance to meet like-minded women from across the country is an incredible opportunity and I am sure our colleagues will also have a lot of great ideas and advice to share.”
For more information about the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, please visit:https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk
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