EMR celebrate International Women's Day by running special all female service
- EMR operated special all female service to mark International Women's Day
- Member's from EMR’s Women’s Employee Network all joined the service to help promote the day
- Customers were given special cupcakes and free Margo plush toy
- Event aimed to raise awareness about opportunities for females in the rail industry
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has marked International Women's Day by operating a special Intercity service staffed entirely by women.
The service, which ran this morning from Derby to Sheffield and then from Sheffield to London St Pancras, was operated by Driver Sara Hardstaff, Train Manager Sally Ashforth, and Customer Host Maria Alton.
They were accompanied by women representatives from Balance, EMR’s Women’s Employee Network. The network is a staff group dedicated to enhancing experiences for women travellers and employees in the rail industry.
As part of the service, the staff distributed special International Women's Day cupcakes, while younger customers received a free Margo plush toy.
Kate Holden, HR Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "We’re extremely proud of our diverse workforce. At the moment, more than a third of our staff are female and they work in roles right across the business - from drivers and train crew to station staff, engineers, and management.
"However, we’re committed to increase those numbers and aim to encourage more women and girls to consider careers in rail. This is why we have a dedicated Women’s Employee Network and are actively working to improve gender balance across all areas."
Pictured are from, left to right, Customer Host Maria Alton, Train Manager Sally Ashforth and Driver Sara Hardstaff.