On Thursday 5 March, Metro marked International Women’s Day with a meaningful update to the historical timeline at our Springfield Depot Metro Shop, honouring the organisation’s (operating as the Metropolitan Transport Trust, MTT, at the time) first female bus drivers and the lasting impact they have had on our industry.
At a time when bus driving was widely considered a male‑dominated profession, these women stepped forward and challenged expectations, laying the groundwork for greater inclusion and opportunity within Metro and across the transport sector.
The timeline update was inspired by current Metro Bus Operator Leone, who began researching the history of women in bus driving after conversations with colleagues raised a simple but important question — who were the women who got us started?
Through Leone’s research, it became clear that Ann Tucker, Narelle Todd and Rosemary Forster were among Metro’s first female bus drivers, commencing their roles in Hobart in February 1984 (more than 40 years ago!). Their decision to take on these roles helped open doors for many women who would follow.
We were very fortunate to have Rosemary attend the International Women’s Day event. Rosemary also features in the historical photograph included in the timeline update, pictured alongside fellow first female drivers Ann Tucker and Narelle Todd — a powerful connection between Metro’s past and present.
Several former Metro employees joined us on the day to reflect on their experiences and the progress made since those early years, including Irene, Deb, Jan, Heather, Rosemary, Sandra and Sue. Their presence was a reminder that meaningful change is built through courage, persistence and shared effort.
Speaking on the day, Leone reflected on the significance of recognising this history and encouraging future generations of women to consider a career in transport, saying “We’re still driving buses! Come and join us. It’s fun.”
At Metro, recognising the women who helped shape our workforce is an important part of understanding where we’ve come from — and reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and welcoming future. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations to step forward, take the wheel and be part of keeping Tasmanian communities moving.