International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women in Community Transport

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the women who make community transport possible – often working quietly, but making a profound difference to people’s lives.

Across the UK, women keep services running: coordinating journeys, driving minibuses, supporting passengers, managing projects and leading organisations. Their work helps thousands of people stay independent, travel with confidence and remain connected to their communities.

Community transport plays a vital role in helping people access healthcare, shops, work and social activities – especially for those who might otherwise struggle to travel.

To mark International Women’s Day, we asked women across the sector to share what brought them into community transport, what keeps them here, and what the work means to them.

Alison Barron - MiDAS Trainer, Hampshire Management Services

Alison Barron’s journey in community transport began 35 years ago on International Women’s Day, when she took part in a women-only minibus driving course as a single parent. Today she supports others entering the sector as a MiDAS Trainer, helping drivers build their confidence and skills.

One moment in particular captures what the role means to her:

“A driver once arrived for their assessment completely lacking confidence. With reassurance and patience, I helped build her belief in herself.

When she passed, she asked if she could hug me and said I’d given her the confidence to drive a minibus. That was the moment I realised how much I love this job.”

Hildegarde Roberts - Volunteer, Gower Voluntary Transport

After retiring, Hildegarde Roberts was looking for a way to give back to her community. When the founder of Gower Voluntary Transport asked if she would help run the service, she initially planned to volunteer for “a year or two”.

More than two decades later, she is still coordinating journeys for people who rely on the service.

“I realised what an important service it was for people who are housebound, have no family nearby, or find public transport difficult when they need to attend appointments or go shopping.

People are so grateful for what we do.”

Caroline Wilson - Manager, Green Dragon Community Transport

Caroline Wilson helped establish what is now Green Dragon Community Transport in Pembrokeshire after recognising that local groups had no reliable way to travel.

What began with a single donated minibus supporting youth groups has grown into an organisation operating several vehicles and supporting communities across the region.

“We started with one minibus and volunteers. Today we have several vehicles, amazing staff and volunteers, and services that support communities across the area.

The work has always been deeply rewarding, and receiving an MBE for my services to communities across Dyfed last year was an incredible honour.”

Marel Roberts - Founder, Cymrod Clwb Teithio Dwyfor

Marel Roberts has been involved with Cymrod Clwb Teithio Dwyfor for more than 30 years. She began volunteering shortly after becoming a wheelchair user herself, determined to help others access the journeys they needed.

Her dedication has supported the growth of the scheme and helped many people stay connected to their communities.

Reflecting on what keeps her involved, Marel says simply:

“My philosophy is never give up and never give in, and I enjoy helping others.”

Claire Pearce - Co-ordinator, Eastvale Community Transport

Claire Pearce joined community transport during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognising how important accessible travel would become as people began reconnecting with their communities.

“During COVID I knew there would be a greater need for people to get out and about again, and I wanted to help make that possible.

Hearing from people who haven’t been able to visit the cinema, go on days out or see the sea because they couldn’t access public transport makes this work incredibly rewarding.”

Her advice to other women considering working in the sector:

“I was slightly apprehensive at first because transport can seem male-dominated. But don’t be afraid to try.”

Lesley-Ann Miller - Transport Manager, South Antrim Community Transport

Lesley-Ann began working in community transport 17 years ago in a part-time administrative role. Today she manages South Antrim Community Transport and is a passionate advocate for the sector.

“I always struggled with self-doubt, thinking I wasn’t articulate enough or educated enough.

But community transport helped me realise that I can empower other people and make a difference. I’ve found my people and my passion.”

Sacha Petrie - Community Development Officer, Awel Aman Tawe

Sacha Petrie works as a Community Development Officer for Sustainable Transport at Awel Aman Tawe and was previously a finalist in the Women in CT category at the Women in Bus and Coach Awards. For Sacha, the impact of community transport goes far beyond simply getting from A to B.

“Community transport gives people more than just a journey — it gives independence, confidence and connection.

Seeing someone regain the confidence to get out into the world again reminds me why this work matters so much.”

Sian Rees-Jones - Transport Co-ordinator, We Are Plas Madoc

Sian Rees-Jones works as the Transport Co-ordinator at We Are Plas Madoc, supporting people in her community to access the journeys they need. She encourages more women to consider working in the sector, highlighting the valuable skills they bring.

“Don’t let the fact that transport is often seen as a male-dominated sector put you off. Women bring so many valuable skills, from patience and empathy to confidence and strong communication.

If you care about your community and want to make a real difference in people’s lives, you absolutely belong in this space.”

Christina Christie - Community Transport Development Co-ordinator, Swansea Council for Voluntary Service

Christina Christie works at Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) as a Community Transport Development Co-ordinator and was the winner of the Women in CT Award presented by Women in Bus and Coach. Christina is passionate about having more women in the community transport sector to continue to work together and make a different to people's lives.

"We still need more women in CT to provide the empathy, care and collaboration required to ensure a good community transport organisation becomes a great one."

Working in CT provides a feel-good factor and opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, whilst being part of a supportive and friendly culture.”

Jo Hicks - Transport Connector, Pembrokeshire Association of CT Organisations

Jo Hicks found herself working in community transport unexpectedly. She now works as a Transport Connector for Pembrokeshire Association of CT Organisations (PACTO) and loves her job. After a serious attack by a bulldog which left her with PTSD, Jo struggled to leave the house but bravely went for her interview at PACTO where she was successful. Jo is a true inspiration of bravery and courage and works hard to build connections between community and public transport operators and their passengers.

"Over the last 3 years I have found myself surrounded by the most amazing group of colleagues, passengers, and operators.It is rather ironic that my job is to help other people get out and about, given that being in a public space and aspects of a journey can be quite terrifying for me at times."

The lived experiences I have been through and continue to face are not easy, but they help me understand some of the challenges that our passengers face daily and that what might seem to be a simple getting from A to B can be far more complex than it seems."

Kimberley Ward - CEO, Lothian Community Transport Services

Kimberley Ward, CEO of Lothian Community Transport Services shared her experience of being in a leadership position in the community transport sector and empowers other women to go for the role they want, even if it is in a sector that is predominantly male. Kimberley is proud of the LCTS Women's Night Bus service and the positive impact that it has had, and continues to have on women.

"As a woman from a background of poverty, this is the one industry within the not for profit sector, where I have very rarely come across any stigma with being a working class woman in a position of leadership – others could learn something from community transport!"

I am so proud of our night bus and the service that it provides for women in our community, we really believe in making a difference for everyone and our women’s night bus is evidence of that!.”

LCTS Women’s Night Bus

This International Women’s Day, we also want to highlight Lothian Community Transport Services’ Women’s Night Bus.

Launched in May 2025, the service helps women travel home safely on Friday and Saturday nights. The bus collects passengers from venues across Dalkeith and takes them directly to their front doors.

By providing a safe and reliable late-night transport option, the service helps women feel more confident travelling at night — whether alone or with friends.

Initiatives like this show how community transport organisations are responding to real challenges women face every day.

Thank You

These stories represent just a small snapshot of the women who make community transport what it is today.

Across the UK, women are driving services forward - supporting passengers, coordinating volunteers and building organisations that keep communities connected.

To all the women working across the community transport sector: thank you for the difference you make.

Do you know someone doing inspiring work in community transport? We’re always looking for stories to share. If you have a person, project or initiative you think others should hear about, get in touch with our communications team at comms@ctauk.org