Racing driver leads bus firm’s drive for equality

MACIE BECOMES AMBASSADOR AS COMPANY BIDS TO EMPLOY MORE WOMEN

- By WILLIAM TELFORD willlam.telford@reachplccom

Macie Hitter with Go-Ahead branded racing car and bus

(WILLIAM TELFORD)

RISING star racing driver Macie Hitter is to learn how to steer a Plymouth bus as part of a drive to recruit more women into the industry.

The 18-year-old speedster will train this summer at Plymouth Citybus’ Milehouse depot after becoming a Go-Ahead brand ambassador.

The teenager was at the depot to meet staff and see how buses will be branded with both her image and an appeal for more women to become bus drivers.

The Plymouth business Go South West, part of the large Go-Ahead transport group, is aiming for women to make up 50% of its workforce by 2035.

Already 20% of its 1,200 staff, 600 of whom are in Plymouth the others in Cornwall, are women - up from seven percent just two years ago.

Citybus has chosen International Women’s Day, March 8, as the perfect time to highlight the drive towards gender balance.

Macie was also able to take a close look at the F4 car she will be testing this year, with an aim to racing it in 2027.

The vehicle, owned by Storm Motorsport, is branded with Go-Ahead and Plymouth's Blue6 Sport logos, and capable of reaching speeds of 140mph.

Macie is excited about speeding around a track - and handling a double decker - and told The Herald: “I can’t wait for it all to start.”