Coral Barnett IWD

Coral Barnett Championing Women in the Bus Industry

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are proud to highlight the journey of Coral Barnett, a dedicated Bus Driver and the Women’s Lead for Stagecoach South. Coral’s passion for her role and commitment to supporting women in the transport industry is truly inspiring.

Following in Her Father’s Footsteps

Coral grew up admiring her father, who was a bus driver for 34 years. She fondly recalls watching him and thinking, "He just looked like he had loads of fun." Inspired by his enthusiasm, she decided to embark on a career in the same field, and four years ago, she joined Stagecoach as a driver.

Rising Through the Ranks

Her dedication and natural leadership qualities quickly became evident. Coral took on the role of Mentor to fellow drivers and, just two years ago, stepped up to become the Women’s Lead for Stagecoach South. In this role, she has been a strong advocate for women in the company, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered.

“It’s great having that one woman that’s ready to say anything or do anything to protect any woman who needs it. They feel like they’ve been listened to and heard. For me, it’s a fantastic achievement, and I am very proud, and my kids are very proud of me as well.”

Championing Inclusion and Progress

The transport industry has long been male-dominated, but Coral believes that women fit well within the sector and have made their presence known. She praises Stagecoach for going above and beyond in fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for women to grow and advance within the company.

“The level Stagecoach has gone to in encouraging women and accelerating action is phenomenal.”

Balancing Work and Family

Beyond her career, Coral is also a devoted carer and mother to three children. At the Worthing depot, she has found a supportive environment that allows her to balance her work and personal life effectively.

“Stagecoach is on the path to many changes—big changes, small changes—but most importantly, inclusion is growing.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Even today, Coral finds joy in the positive reactions from passengers when they see a female driver. With more women joining the industry, she serves as a shining example of how anyone can thrive at Stagecoach.

Her story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of inclusivity. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Coral Barnett stands as an inspiration for future generations of women looking to break barriers and succeed in any field they choose.