New Bristol bus design celebrates first female drivers

The bus wrap has been designed by a student at UWE

The bus celebrates the history of women in the bus service
Author: Jemima WittichPublished 10th May 2024

A new wrap design for a Bristol double-decker has been revealed, in honour of the first female bus driver to pass her driving test.

It's been designed by University of the West of England student Roselyn Burroughs, an illustration student, who entered and won the competition to transform a double-decker, launched by the bus operator, First Bus.

The initiative celebrates 80 years since Mrs V Hoyes, the first female bus driver in Bristol, passed her official driving test.

Rosalyn’s design tells the story of Mrs Hoyes, along with other women working in public transport. She said “I really enjoyed creating this design and learning more about the women in Bristol and across the country who made advances in the transport industry, as well as all of the support women in the transport industry are continuing to provide for one another”.

There are many other celebrations of women in the public transport arena around Bristol, including window display at Sparks in Bristol city centre, where they have recreated an image of the company’s first female drivers.

Doug Claringbold, the Managing Director for First West of England, said: “It is important to recognise and celebrate the achievements of all our female colleagues. Women work across a variety of roles throughout the business, and we are delighted to showcase the opportunities a career in the bus sector offers, and to inspire the next generation”.

As well as designing the bus wrap, Rosalyn is also one of the artists taking part in Bristol's Upfest street art festival this year.

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