Aberdeen bus driver named Woman of the Year by influential industry group

A female driver with First Bus in Aberdeen has been given national recognition for her contribution to supporting the mental health of colleagues and the community alongside career achievements in the industry.

Michele Elliot was named Woman of the Year at a presentation by Women in Bus and Coach, a group created to promote inclusion, diversity and opportunity within the bus, coach and community transport industry and a growing influence in transport.

She also received the accolade of Best Woman in Bus, which is awarded for exceptional achievement demonstrated in workplace and community activity.

Michele, 60, who has been a driver with First Bus for 15 years, was stunned when her name was read out at the ceremony in Birmingham. She said: “I have no words. What the heck? I’m speechless.”

Her success turned into a double celebration for First Bus Scotland as colleague Tony McEwan, based in Glasgow, won the Allyship category.

Mental health support at work and in the community

Michele was nominated by colleagues in First Bus for her voluntary role providing mental health support at work and out-of-hours, including mentoring, and promoting wellbeing in the Aberdeen community.

She added: “The room was filled with some very talented women within the bus and transport industry from all over the UK, from managers to front line staff. For them to announce my name, I was astounded and emotional but felt so proud as an employee of First Bus.”

Michele added that her nomination was the first time she had heard of the WIBC but reaching the finals “has opened my eyes to the many talented, well deserving ladies who serve the industry”.

Tony works as a driver at the Caledonia depot in Glasgow, which he joined in 2019. He was nominated for championing inclusivity and support for female and LGBTQ+ colleagues alongside charitable work with groups involved in domestic abuse of women and respite for young mothers.

He said: “Events like this are important to showcase just how many talented women are in the industry and to attract other women into transport. It’s also great to learn the experiences of women getting into what was once perceived as a male-only Industry.”

Linda Shields, Operations Director of First Bus Scotland was full of praise for their national recognition. “Michele and Tony are enjoying long careers with us. It is their experience and willingness to embrace new ideas about the workplace culture we want to develop and inclusivity which makes them such strong role models for all colleagues,” she said.

“First Bus is continuing to develop into a business where everyone can be their true selves and succeed. This national recognition is further evidence of the progress we are making.”

The Women in Bus and Coach Awards, now in its second year, honours the accomplishments of women across the industry and at all levels.  

Picture captions:

WIBC 1 : Michele Elliot and Tony McEwan flanked by (left) Louise Cheeseman, chair and Kayleigh Ingham, northern region chair.

WIBC 2: Michele Elliot with (left) Louise Cheeseman, chair and Kayleigh Ingham, northern region chair.

WIBC 3: Michele Elliot (left) with Tony McEwan and Kayleigh Ingham, northern region chair.

WIBC 4: Michele Elliot (right) with Louise Cheeseman, chair.

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