Currently, Go North East has a women workforce that amounts to nine percent of the total. This has been introduced at a key time, as occupations that have been seen as generally male-centric are seeing an increase in female employees.
Paula Ullathorne, a 42-year-old bus driver from Consett, had switched careers from being a health and social care worker to a bus driver. She stated that "I'm not saying that it was an easy ride for me, but I did it. I didn't think I would [manage] and at times, I thought I wasn't going to get there - now I thoroughly enjoy it."
The 42-year-old also adds that "It used to be seen as a man's role, but this is the 21st Century and we need to get more numbers up to be equal to the man."
"It used to be seen as a man's role, but this is the 21st Century"
Go North East has set a target to increase its woman workforce by 2025.
Ben Maxfield, Go North East's business director, told the BBC that they intended to recruit more women, and individuals from diverse backgrounds were given priority. He said that "we're looking for anyone with a licence, who can drive a car, who feels they would like to have a go driving a bus."
Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), told the BBC, "I think the legacy of them carries on and that's why we need to do everything we can, as Go North East is doing at the moment, to make sure that women know that they're welcome within our workforce, that there's a place for them, and we will and accommodate them fully and fairly."
The public transport scene is seeing a surge in female participation
The public transport scene is seeing a surge in female participation. With more such initiatives, there can be inclusive spaces in many other workspaces.