In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, women’s roles in public transport were limited. Wartime employment brought new opportunities and gradually women took on jobs as bus conductors
(known as ‘clippies’), station-women, and canteen assistants, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that women first sat in the driving seat.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of London Transport recruiting women as bus drivers in 1974, with the appointment of Jill Viner as the first recruit. The recruitment of women as Tube
train drivers would soon follow in 1978.
To share the stories of the transport heroines who have kept the capital moving for over a century, London Transport Museum in Covent Garden has a line-up of February half term activities
and an International Women’s Day Late for over 18s.
February Half Term: Women at Work (Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February)
During February half term, families visiting London Transport Museum in Covent Garden can learn about the women drivers, conductors, mechanics, engineers, designers, and artists who have kept London’s transport moving. These transport heroines include Susan Atyeo, the first signal woman to join in 1979 and Helen Clifford, who qualified as London Transport’s first woman bus mechanic in 1984. Follow a self-guided trail around the museum galleries, get creative in craft sessions and zine-making workshops, and join guided tours of the new Global Poster Gallery, all inspired by these women and their stories. Kids go free and adult tickets include free return entry for a whole year.
Museum Late: Women on the Move (Friday 8 March, 18:45-22:00)
On International Women’s Day, London Transport Museum will open its doors after-hours to host a Late exploring the experiences of women living and travelling in the capital. Craft workshops, curator-led talks and panel discussions will explore the stories of women past and present, from London’s first women transport workers and the issues they faced entering a male-dominated industry, to the women artists and designers making their mark on the network today. Guests can also explore the newly opened Global Poster Gallery, play at being a train driver on an Elizabeth line driving simulator and enjoy drinks and music.
Tickets cost £18. Over 18s only. Book online in advance.
Discover
the history of women in transport
on London Transport Museum’s Collection Stories.
