Network Rail and Southeastern announced today the first-ever passenger train service which was run entirely by female staff.

To mark Internation Women’s Day, Network Rail female signallers will staff the route while a female driver and conductor staff the Southeastern service from London to Kent.

This is the first time that an all-female staff will operate a commuter service from depot to destination.

Fifteen women will take part in total, and the service is 1 of 3 Female Trains today. Along with the Southeastern service, GWR will run a female train to Bristol from London Paddington, and LNER will run and Edinburgh to Kings Cross ‘Flying Scotswoman’.

What did the officials say?

David Statham, Southeastern managing director, said:

“We’re honoured to be playing our part in today’s ‘Female Train’. We have made considerable progress in attracting more women into the industry and we’re proud that 20% of Southeastern’s employees are female.

“The fact today’s ‘Female Train’ is one of the first shows how much more the rail industry needs to do to and we will continue working with partners like Network Rail to achieve this.”

Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said:

“This is a brilliant celebration of women in rail. I hope it demonstrates to other women and girls that a rewarding role in our industry is a real prospect. We have an abundance of diverse and interesting jobs available and the users of the railway deserve the best of our talents. That must mean a much more diverse workforce.”

Loraine Martins, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail added:

“This is about ensuring our organisation is as diverse as the communities we serve and valuing the contributions that everyone can make to our business. We will continue to work tirelessly to increase the proportion of women at Network Rail at all levels in our business, as well as developing the phenomenal talent that we already have.”

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