Perth’s newest bus drivers celebrated at graduation event
- Three new bus drivers have hit the road after completing an innovative new program attracting more women into transport
- They are the first graduates of Kinetic’s Women Up Front trainee driver program, which promotes gender balance in the sector
- The graduation event at High Wycombe depot facility was attended by PTA representatives, local MP Stephen Price, and Kinetic leaders
Representatives from the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia joined Forrestfield MP Stephen Price and local school principals to celebrate the graduation of three of Perth’s newest bus drivers.
Graduates Libby, Nina and Ngahuia are the first participants in Kinetic’s Women Up Front Trainee Bus Driver program in WA, a groundbreaking initiative to attract more women into the transport industry.
The event, held at Kinetic’s High Wycombe depot facility, highlighted the success of the program, which has already encouraged over 500 women across Australia and New Zealand to become bus drivers with the bus company since its launch in 2021.
Kinetic, which delivers 10 government school bus contracts in the Perth region, welcomed PTA representatives and local school principals to meet and celebrate the new drivers. Attendees were hosted by Kinetic’s leadership and service delivery teams.
The Women Up Front trainee driver program offers participants fully-paid, four-week training to transition from a car licence to a bus driver licence. It’s a key element of Kinetic’s Women Up Front Strategy, which aims to achieve gender balance across its workforce by 2030.
Under the leadership of Executive General Manager, Sarah Ismail, Kinetic’s Western Australian workforce already boasts 25 per cent female representation—well above industry average.
“Put simply, this program allows us to welcome and train up new drivers who may never have considered a career in transport,” Ms Ismail says.
“We’re so proud to welcome Libby, Nina and Ngahuia to our team. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives enhance our service delivery and better reflect the communities we serve.”
Meet the graduates
Ngahuia, inspired by her mother—also a bus driver—transitioned from a career in administration and customer service.
“Being a bus driver has given me a strong sense of connection to the community. Every day brings new interactions and opportunities to make a difference,” she said.
Nina had long aspired to work in passenger transport but faced financial barriers to training and certification.
“What I love most about this job is connecting with people every day and knowing I’m making a positive difference in their journeys,” she shared.
Libby, previously working in retail, was inspired by her father’s career as a bus driver. Now, she’s embraced a new path, upgrading her licence and pursuing a Certificate III in Administration with Kinetic.
“Kinetic has given me confidence and skills to grow in my career. With my bus licence, I see endless opportunities ahead. Having a leader like Sarah makes it easy to see the possibilities this program creates,” she says.
Recognition and celebration
Kinetic’s Managing Director Australia, Matt Campbell, congratulated the graduates and commended Sarah Ismail for driving the program in WA.
“Libby, Nina and Ngahuia are proof that with the right support, a career in transport is achievable. Under Sarah’s leadership, we’re paving the way for many more women to join us,” Mr Campbell said.
“It’s fantastic to see colleagues from the PTA and the school community come together to celebrate their achievements. It reinforces our commitment to advancing the industry.”
The inaugural Women Up Front graduates are now proudly delivering school bus and charter.
For more information about Kinetic’s Women Up Front trainee driver program, visit wearekinetic.com/sustainability/women-up-front.
Further enquiries
Meg Hope
Specialist - Communications
0456 006 517
Meghan.Hope@wearekinetic.com