A new children’s book is aiming to encourage women and young girls to consider a role in bus driving. 

The Wonderful Women Bus Drivers of the West Midlands was launched by bus operator National Express West Midlands on International Women’s Day. Aimed at children aged 3-7 years old, the book explores the female colleagues at National Express West Midlands and their important roles in the local community. 

Set across Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country, the book is a colourful, heartwarming tale of women bus drivers and colleagues - Diane, Saba, Leona, Joanne, Lynne and Sharon - coming together in their quest to help save the annual family fun day. 

Kate Reynolds, UK Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at National Express, said, “The transport industry is sometimes perceived as male-dominated and we want to tackle gender stereotypes. We have a fantastic group of women bus drivers and training officers who are great ambassadors for the profession and we hope that by sharing their stories more women and young girls will be inspired to consider a fulfilling career in bus driving. 

“The sector has a huge opportunity in terms of attracting women to be drivers and we’re making great strides to provide a welcoming and inclusive culture to help our women drivers flourish in their roles. ” 

Written and funded by National Express West Midlands, The Wonderful Women Bus Drivers of the West Midlands will initially be shared internally but if anyone is interested in buying a copy, with proceeds going to the charitable National Express Foundation, please email foundation@nationalexpress.com.   

National Express West Midlands will be visiting primary schools and libraries across the West Midlands for a book reading with our women bus drivers. 

National Express West Midlands is currently recruiting for bus drivers from all backgrounds. A typical salary for a bus driver is £30,000 per annum with the option for flexible hours and overtime. For more information see careers.nationalexpress.com.