As a woman in transit and the tech industry, it’s not every day that you get to see female leaders in transit share how they got to where they are today and the hurdles they had to overcome to do so. Transit has traditionally been a male-dominated industry; and years ago, it would’ve been rare to see a female CEO rise up the ranks.

It’s inspiring that that’s no longer the case.

On today’s episode of Transit Unplugged, we put together more than just an interview with one female transit leader – for the first time ever, we brought together an all-female panel from leaders on transit in the land down under, to talk about their journeys, share career advice, and learn from their inspiring stories.

Four years ago, I was one of the individuals behind the scenes that worked with Paul Comfort to create the Transit Unplugged podcast. To witness the evolution of where we started to where we are today encourages me to continue to shoot for the stars and shows me the power of female leadership in such an important industry.

That’s why this note might sound a little different than our other show notes. Normally they’re written by our producer, Tris Hussey, but for today’s all-female show, I decided to peek out from behind the curtain and share a few words about what episodes like this, and stories like these, mean to a young female and dare-I-say leader in transit.

I hope you enjoy the episode and share it – more people need to hear these stories.

Now, I’ll head back behind the scenes!

Vicky Abihsira, Director of Integrated Marketing, Trapeze Group

This week's guests are:

• Magda Robertson, General Manager, Torrens Connect
• Catherine Baxter, COO Metro Trains
• Samantha Abeydeera, Executive Director Strategic Operations, Transport for New South Wales
• Michelle Batsas, Executive Director, UITP, Australia and New Zealand who also hosts the Women Who Move Nations podcast

Next week on Transit Unplugged News and Views we have David Harris Director of Transport and Rail for the Department of Transportation in New Mexico.

If you want to get in touch with the show, be a guest, or have feedback, you can email us at [email protected].