Please close this window to return to the LARSOA news pages

DfT re-launches Women's Transport Network

Transport minister Charlotte Atkins last week re-launched the Women's Transport Network (WTN) and encouraged more people working in the transport industry to join.

Set up in 1995, WTN brings together women who work in the UK transport sector. It aims to make transport systems more responsive to women's needs by focusing on issues of direct concern to women passengers, such as personal safety. It also encourages women to contribute to transport planning and development at all levels and provides a central reference point of publications and experience.

WTN also encourages more women to enter the transport industry. Research from Transport for London in June 2004 stated that although the transport and communications sector has one of the lowest proportion of women workers, the number of women employed in the sector has increased more than any other industry during the last 20 years - from 20 per cent in 1981 to 30 per cent in 2001.

"Women are the prime users of public transport, especially buses, and their patronage can't be taken for granted," Charlotte Atkins said. "The network plays a key role in highlighting women's different needs, giving operators an insight into how best to improve journey experiences."

WTN membership is open to both men and women. Further information is available from Annette Lewis, DfT, 020 7944 5281.

www.larsoa.org.uk