West Yorkshire Mayor helps launch trailblazing bus industry group for Northern England

The Mayor of West Yorkshire and a trailblazer for women in public transport were among those gathered today (Monday 24th March) to mark the beginning of a new Northern region for Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), an industry group promoting inclusion, diversity, and opportunity within the bus, coach, and community transport industry.

Mayor Tracy Brabin joined guests at Stourton Park and Ride in Leeds to officially launch the Northern region of WiBC. Mayor Brabin, a long-time advocate for equality and diversity, was also named a Women in Bus and Coach Ambassador in recognition of her unwavering commitment to championing inclusivity in public services and transport.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "This is a huge step forward to encourage more women into the bus, coach and community transport industry.

"Having a diverse workforce is vital to ensuring we reflect the varied needs of people who rely on buses in West Yorkshire.

"We've committed to increasing female representation through initiatives like our bus driver training programmes.

"Working with this group in my new role as an ambassador, alongside our plans to bring buses back under public control, means we’ll be able to unlock even more opportunities for women."

Blue plaque honour for Maxine Duffus

As part of the celebration, Women in Bus and Coach unveiled its next blue plaque, an initiative that commemorates trailblazers in the industry.

This honours Maxine Duffus, who made history in 1983 as South Yorkshire Passenger Transport’s first black woman bus driver. The blue plaque serves as a lasting tribute to Maxine’s legacy, inspiring future generations to break barriers and pursue careers in transport. It is to be placed in her home city of Sheffield.

Maxine commented: "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. When I first started, I never imagined that my journey would inspire others, but I hope this plaque will encourage more women, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to see that they belong in this industry."

Kayleigh Ingham, Chair of the Women in Bus and Coach Northern region, said the day was an important moment in the spread of WiBC influence across the sector.

She said: "Establishing our Northern region is a vital step in expanding our reach and ensuring that women across the country have the support, resources, and representation they need to thrive in this industry."

Driving change in the industry

Kayleigh, who is Commercial Director of First Bus in North & West Yorkshire, added: "We are thrilled to have Mayor Tracy Brabin join us as an Ambassador and to honour Maxine Duffus’ incredible achievements. These milestones embody our mission to celebrate the contributions of women and to drive meaningful change within the sector."

Louise Cheeseman, Women in Bus and Coach Chair, added: "This launch highlights the growing momentum for change across the bus, coach, and community transport industry. It was inspiring to see such a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, and I am confident that this regional network will create meaningful opportunities for women to excel and lead.

"Maxine’s story is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Global and First Bus for their incredible support in wrapping a bus in Women in Bus and Coach branding. This bus will carry thousands of people around Leeds in the months to come, making a bold statement about our commitment to a more inclusive and diverse transport industry."

Women in Bus and Coach continues to make significant strides in advancing inclusion and celebrating the achievements of women in the sector. With the successful launch of the Northern region, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to building a diverse and equitable future for all.

Picture captions:

WIBC_1: Mayor Brabin (centre) with Kayleigh Ingham (left) and Louise Cheeseman.

WIBC_2: Mayor Brabin (centre) with from left Louise Cheeseman, Maxine Duffus, Rebecca Miller, Deputy Chair of WIBC North and Kayleigh Ingham.

WIBC_3: Mayor Brabin (centre) with from left Kayleigh Ingham, Rebecca Miller, Deputy Chair of WIBC North, Maxine Duffus and Louise Cheeseman.

WIBC_4: Mayor Brabin (centre) with (left) Louise Cheeseman and Kayleigh Ingham.

WIBC_5: Maxine Duffus smiles at the plaque in her honour with Mayor Brabin (right) and Rebecca Miller, Deputy Chair of WIBC North.

WIBC_6: Maxine Duffus smiles at the plaque in her honour with Mayor Brabin (left) and Rebecca Miller, Deputy Chair of WIBC North.

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