Transit Systems celebrates industry progress this International Women’s Day
Transit Systems will celebrate the progress of women in transport this International Women's Day, 8 March 2024, under the resonant theme of "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”.
Tanya Smith, General Manager People and Culture at Transit Systems, highlighted the company's approach to advancing gender equality year-round within the workplace and industry, with a genuine commitment to empowering women.
“Transit Systems is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women within the public transport industry.
“We believe in equal opportunities for career advancement for all employees, irrespective of gender and we will continue to implement targeted programs and initiatives to support the professional growth of women within the organisation, including leadership development opportunities and training initiatives, she said.
Ms Smith is breaking barriers in the typically male dominated transport industry, earning her place as a finalist in the upcoming Executive Leadership category, in the Leadership HQ Award.
“I am determined to advocate for more women in transport, and for better inclusivity, which aligns with our strategic recruitment plans to attract the next generation of transport workers,” she said.
Transit Systems also recognises the importance of providing a flexible and inclusive work environment.
“We are focussed on implementing opportunities and policies that support work-life balance, accommodating diverse needs, and creating an atmosphere where women feel valued and empowered to contribute by bringing their authentic self to work each day,” she said.
Transit Systems will include educational awareness in its future induction programs to further develop and foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, addressing unconscious biases, providing hidden disability awareness, promoting gender sensitivity, and encouraging respectful workplace behaviours. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
Reflecting on the inspirational legacy of Transit Systems team member, Lorna Hutchings, who recently celebrated 60 years in the bus industry, Ms Smith emphasised the impact of her achievements, saying, "Lorna's pioneering spirit not only opened doors for herself but paved the way for countless women who aspired to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.”
Fiona Towell, Depot Supervisor at Kingsgrove Depot, shared her personal journey in the bus industry and highlighted the significant strides made by women in various roles. "I loved being a bus driver," Ms Towell said. "Women make fantastic drivers, and their caring and patient nature contributes to their success.”
Ms Towell's journey at Transit Systems is a testament to the transformative power of embracing new challenges. Having joined the company six years ago, Ms Towell’s trajectory from an office environment to her current role as Depot Supervisor at Kingsgrove Depot highlights her resilience and adaptability. Her decision to pursue a career change, led her to discover her passion for the bus industry. Fiona believes her experience would resonate with many women who seek opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Ms Towell also emphasised the importance of supporting and respecting one another beyond International Women's Day, stating, "Support for each other throughout the year fosters a culture of respect and solidarity.”
Fiona's journey also includes memorable moments of courage, such as navigating challenging road conditions, demonstrating her dedication to ensuring passenger safety, comfort, and satisfaction. These experiences not only shaped Fiona's professional identity but also earned her recognition, including awards for excellent customer service.
Catherine Gilchrist, a bus driver at Transit Systems since February 2019, also takes great pride in her role at Transit Systems. With firsthand experience as a mother relying on public transport to navigate daily life with her six daughters, Catherine understands the vital role safe and reliable bus services play in communities. "I know firsthand how important it is for the community to have buses that run on time and are operated safely."
Catherine emphasises the importance of treating others with respect and patience, irrespective of gender or background. "Treat others how you would like to be treated or how you would like your parents to be treated."
Catherine's dedication to her role as a bus driver goes beyond routine tasks; it stems from a genuine desire to contribute positively to people's lives and make a meaningful difference in her community.
“International Women's Day holds significant importance as it reminds us to honour those who have paved the way for women and to explore avenues for creating new opportunities for our female peers, daughters and granddaughters. It's about empowering them to recognise their ability to make a difference and instilling in them the confidence to pursue their goals fearlessly.”
“Recently, I attended my daughter's ceremony as she was admitted to the bar as a lawyer at the NSW Supreme Court to the Australian Bar Association. It was a remarkable moment as out of the 48 lawyers present, 35 were women. Witnessing this was truly awe-inspiring, and seeing my daughter among them filled me with immense pride.”
Rebecca Seinemeier, Quality Manager Go West, which is now part of the Transit Systems group, said the industry is changing.
“I’ve seen it firsthand in my 18 years here at Go West - I am proud to be a part of a company that is committing to encouraging women to achieve equal participation in the mining and transport industry, which is typically male-dominated. Regardless of gender, culture, or identity, we should all feel safe at work each day,” she said.
Ms Smith added that diversity and inclusion remain a core value, with Transit Systems recently wrapping two dedicated Mardi Gras buses in the Transport for NSW network, with one of the buses taking part in the official Sydney Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras float parade, supporting Rainbow Families.
“We believe that when we help our team be themselves, they bring the best version of themselves to work each day – and that’s a win for them, for us, our industry and for our customers,” she said.
Michael McGee, Chief Executive Officer of Transit Systems, says, "As we celebrate International Women's Day, we take pride in the strides we've made towards gender equality within Transit Systems and the wider transport sector.
"We recognise the invaluable contributions of women like Catherine Gilchrist, Fiona Towell and Rebecca Seinemeier, whose dedication and passion exemplify the spirit of International Women's Day," McGee added.
"We remain resolute in our efforts to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in transportation, not just on this day, but every day."
