We’re marking International Women’s Day (8 March) this year by celebrating colleagues from across our business who help us deliver for all our customers.
We know that women are traditionally underrepresented within the transport sector and, while Lothian is bucking the national trend, we’re keen to encourage more women to consider careers in the sector.
Drivers June Robertson and Carys Gargan are fantastic ambassadors for Lothian and they’re keen to inspire more women to take the wheel and join our driving teams.
Today on International Women’s Day, June and Carys share their experience of being bus drivers and talk about how fulfilling the role can be for women of all ages.
June Robertson first became a bus driver in 1987 working for another operator in the region. She gave it up after seven years before returning to the profession as a Lothian driver in 2024, and is a well-loved member of driving team at our Marine depot.
June said she has ‘zero regrets’ about jumping behind the wheel again and thinks more women over 50 should get into the bus industry as drivers.
“It’s a fantastic job for women my age,” said June. “It’s just like going out for a Sunday drive every day except you’re in a bigger vehicle!”
She speaks warmly about being part of the driving team and describes the industry as a “really comfortable, supportive environment” to work in. Above all, it’s the people she meets each day that make the role so rewarding.
“The public love seeing women driving the bus,” June said. “They’re always excited when they see you and want to have a chat as they get on.”
Reflecting on her experience in the late 1980s compared with today, June believes there has never been a better time for women to become bus drivers.
“There’s a lot more respect for us as drivers now,” she explained. “And there are so many younger drivers joining the teams so there are people from all walks of life and backgrounds.”
She also highlights how the industry has evolved in practical ways. “In 1987, I had to wear a male uniform as they didn’t have female one,” June said. “At Lothian, we have a smart female uniform which I love.
“It makes the job feel easier when you know you’re well turned out – it makes a massive difference being comfortable at your work.”
Hoping to inspire even one woman to follow in her footsteps as a bus driver, June is marking International Women’s Day by encouraging others to give it a go. “The more women drivers we have, the more visible we’ll be and hopefully that’ll result in more women joining us themselves.“ June added: “My advice would be to take the chance – you will have a great time.
“The only thing stopping you is you. Being a bus driver is really empowering – come and give it a go!”
Carys Gargan joined Lothian in 2024 following in her bus driver father’s footsteps. She was looking for an exciting opportunity, and bus driving was something she’d always been interested in.
While initially nervous about those first few days behind the wheel, nearly two years later she hasn’t looked back. Now based at our Longstone depot, she’s planning for a long, successful and rewarding career at Lothian. “I want to keep progressing at the company and do more in the garage,” said Carys.
As a young woman, she understands why some of her peers might hesitate to apply. Shift patterns can seem daunting, and there may be concerns about fitting into what is often seen as a male-dominated profession.
But Carys is quick to challenge those perceptions.
“You get your shifts in advance, so you can plan around them,” she explained. “There’s a great salary on offer and a really good work-life balance for young women.”
She also highlights just how welcoming the team has been.
“After a few weeks, it felt like I’d been here for years. Everyone was so supportive.”
One of the most rewarding parts of the job, she says, is the positive reaction she receives from customers – especially children.
“Young children are always so excited to see you,” she said with a smile. “You hear them telling their parents they want to be bus drivers when they’re older.
“That always makes me feel reassured that I made the right choice in coming here.”
Carys is equally passionate about reassuring other women who may have doubts about joining the team.
“The garage is such a comfortable environment to be in,” she said. “I’ve never felt isolated or alone, and if you’ve had a tough shift, everyone looks out for you and helps lift your spirits.
“I even met my best friend here – now we do everything together!”
This International Women’s Day, Carys is encouraging more young women to take the leap and consider a career as a bus driver at Lothian.
“The biggest barrier is just applying and walking through the door,” she said. “Once you get past that, you’ll absolutely love it. The longer you’re here, the more it feels like home.”
Lothian welcomes and encourages applications from women looking for career opportunities within the bus industry. If you would like to pursue a role with Lothian Buses, please view the latest vacancies on our careers page.