The next in ALBUM’s series of profiles of inspiring women working in the UK bus network features Katie Ferguson, Operations Director at Warrington’s Own Buses. Katie is also an alumnus of Women in Transport’s Lead programme.
Since joining Warrington’s Own Buses in 2020, Operations Director Katie Ferguson has led 160 frontline staff through a people-first transformation. She introduced “Hello You” onboarding, a mentorship-led welcome for every new driver, and helped reshape company culture into one that is high-performing and inclusive.
This year, Katie was nominated for Manager of the Year at the Route One Awards and it’s no surprise why! She doesn't just manage operations, she launched “Women in WOB” to encourage female talent and her leadership is a blueprint for what modern, compassionate management looks like in the bus industry.
Katie Ferguson, Operations Director, Warrington’s Own Buses
Katie Ferguson has delivered transformational change at Warrington’s Own Buses (WOB), making an extraordinary personal contribution to its performance, culture, and future. Since joining in December 2020, Katie has led 160 frontline staff with a rare blend of credibility, compassion, and strategic vision.
Katie’s approach to leadership is both people-first and performance-driven. She spearheaded a bold cultural shift at WOB, implementing the “Hello You” onboarding programme to enhance the driver journey from day one. Katie personally welcomes each new colleague, pairs them with a mentor, and integrates them through tailored support. This initiative has significantly improved retention and job satisfaction.
In 2024, Katie launched the company’s new “Work Safe Always” strategy, culminating in an interactive safety conference that involved all operational staff. The result? ISO 45001 accreditation and zero RIDDORs in the past 12 months, a testament to her commitment to workplace safety and health.
Katie balances operational rigour with emotional intelligence. Instead of remote leadership, she operates an open-door policy and meets teams regularly. She replaced impersonal email chains with real-time, face-to-face engagement, building trust, reducing complaints, and increasing punctuality to 90%.
Operationally, WOB has achieved near-zero lost mileage (0.5%) and a 100% PSV annual test first-time pass rate. These outcomes reflect Katie’s relentless focus on delivery. She also championed the development of a distinctive training bus and led the learner driver programme, making training more visible and accessible to new talent.
As part of her commitment to diversity and inclusion, Katie completed the Women in Transport Lead Programme and launched the “Women in WOB” initiative. This initiative encourages female talent in what remains a male-dominated industry. Her strategic decisions have directly contributed to an inclusive, resilient, and high-performing culture.
Katie also prioritised wellbeing, introducing “Curry & Convo” sessions, free health checks, and the appointment of a dedicated Training and Wellbeing Coordinator. These programmes have been vital in strengthening mental health support and workforce morale post-pandemic.
Under Katie’s leadership, WOB is thriving internally and becoming a pillar of the Warrington community. It offers free travel for care leavers, supports guide dog training, and works with local colleges to attract young people to the industry. Her contribution has been both strategic and deeply personal. She doesn’t just manage operations; she inspires excellence, models empathy, and builds lasting change. The impact of her leadership is visible in the data, the depot, and the hearts of her colleagues.