Women in Transport is excited to announce a renewal of our long term partnership with First Bus UK, supporter of our D&I Bus Group since 2019.

First Bus UK is one of the UK’s largest bus operators, transporting more than 1.5 million passengers a day. Their local bus services serve more than 25% of the population of Great Britain and over half of the UK’s top 15 most populated urban areas.

The main focus of First Bus UK is their people. They were the first in the sector to achieve real Living Wage employer status because of their belief that when they take care of their team, they’re in the best position to take care of others.

Sustainability is very important to First Bus UK. They’re on track for a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035 with over 800 zero-emission buses already on the road. In partnership with local authorities, they're working to improve air quality, reduce congestion and make travel easier for everyone. They focus on making a difference to the community, the environment and the future of how we travel.

Sonya Byers, CEO at Women in Transport, expressed her excitement regarding the long term collaboration:

“We are delighted to renew our longstanding partnership with First Bus, who have consistently demonstrated what genuine industry leadership looks like. Their active involvement in the D&I Bus Group helped us launch the first ever Inclusive Cab Summit and put drivers at the heart of the conversation.

First Bus supported our second Equity Index report allowing us to produce an industry leading benchmarking report that is driving equity across transport. Their commitment to our 20th Anniversary celebrations further reflects their belief in the power of collective action. To mark International Women’s Day for 2026, First Bus sponsored a collaborative project between Women in Transport and Women in Bus and Coach to launch a survey into women’s experiences of working in bus and coach. I am delighted that insights have led to a new landmark report, Driving Change Together, which highlights the progress for women in the sector as well as actions that organisations can take to help women thrive in bus and coach.

Our Equity Index highlighted that over 65% of organisations have no action plan in place to maintain or increase gender equity. First Bus has a comprehensive 10-point gender diversity plan providing practical actions to improve the gender ratio in its business including its latest initiative, the introduction of paid leave for those going through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment. First Bus continues to show that when organisations invest in their people, their communities, and the future of sustainable transport, the whole industry moves forward together. ”

Janette Bell, First Bus Managing Director added:

“We’re proud to renew our long-standing partnership with Women in Transport, built on shared values and a commitment to a workplace where everyone feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

Insights from Women in Transport’s work and research, such as the Driving Change Together report are especially valuable, helping us better understand women’s experiences across the sector and identify where we can take further, meaningful action.

At First Bus, we know equity and wellbeing aren’t one-off initiatives. They require ongoing effort and a willingness to do things differently. Partnerships like this help us challenge ourselves, learn from others and drive positive change for our people, our communities and the wider industry. We look forward to continuing this work together and accelerating progress for women in transport.”

For more information about First Bus UK, please visit: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/

Annual membership for Women in Transport is £60, providing access to professional development and networking opportunities. Corporate packages are available; for inquiries, please email us or visit our website.

Our partnership packages are a flexible and accessible way to support Women in Transport and your organisation's equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives. Learn more about our partnership opportunities here and contact us if you would like a meeting to discuss how we can work together.

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As the Secretariat to the All Party Parliamentary Group for women in transport, we are committed to working with the UK government to increase the representation of women in the transport sector.