The Local Transport Minister pays tribute to the bus, and those who drive them, on today's Highways Voices as he discusses making services so good people will choose them over driving their own cars.

Simon Lightwood is one of our guests on this week's podcast recorded at a Women in Bus and Coach event at the London Transport Museum to celebrate Jill Viner, the capital's first female bus driver.

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Mr Lightwood talks about how, across the UK, public transport is undergoing a transformation, but that major roadblocks remain, from outdated infrastructure to a lack of workforce diversity.

This episode dives into the real-world strategies that can make bus and coach services more inclusive, efficient, and trusted—key priorities for transport leaders and technology professionals seeking long-term modal shift and user confidence.

He discusses offering a carrot rather than stick approach to getting people out of their cars, and also tells of his absolute commitment to giving local authorities power over their transport networks..

Also on the podcast you'll hear Women in Bus and Coach founder Louise Cheeseman, and Transport for London Commissioner Andy Lord and COO Claire Mann, who discuss why designing transport systems "for everyone" boosts recruitment, safety, and customer satisfaction, and how TfL is setting a global example in inclusive hiring, active travel integration, and adaptive operations.

Highways Voices promises keynote-quality speakers into your phone or laptop and we've done it four times over on this episode. Press play now to hear them!

As promised in the podcast, here is a list of Simon Lightwood's responsibilities as Local Transport Minister:

• local transport (buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, light rail)
• local transport decarbonisation
• local transport accessibility, and cross-cutting transport accessibility
• tackling violence against women and girls on the transport network
• active travel
• e-scooters
• modal shift
• regions and devolution
• the department’s relationship with London, including Transport for London
• transport connectivity across the union
• integrated transport strategy