Women in Buses and Coach Summer Internship
Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Women in the Bus and Coach Industry
Bursary Award: £25,294 (pro rata)
Location: London
What is offered:
- Participants will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
- Free travel on the TfL network for the intern and a nominee living in the same household
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
- Minimum 28 days annual leave (pro rata for the 12-week scheme) plus public and bank holidays
- Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers & many more
Internship Overview:
In Bus Operations, TfL is responsible for the biggest single provider of public transport journeys in London. The team works to deliver safe, reliable, and accessible bus, coach, and assisted transport networks. Key areas of delivery include London’s entire bus network, On-Demand Transport, and Victoria Coach Station.
Start Date: 16th June 2025
Duration: 12 weeks
Entry Requirements:
- Undergraduate student in any year, on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in any degree, or
- Current master’s students on track to achieve a 2:2 in any degree, or
- Completed a bachelor's or master's within the past year, having achieved a minimum 2:2 in any degree discipline
Positive Action Programme:
Applications are sought from candidates with specific protected characteristics who are:
- Women (this scheme is also open to non-binary individuals)
About the Women in Buses & Coach Internship:
This internship is a diversity initiative and training opportunity aiming to address the lack of gender diversity in the Bus and Coach industry. It aligns with the positive action provisions of the Equality Act 2010, allowing TfL to take certain actions where people who share a protected characteristic, such as gender, are under-represented.
What will interns do?
The 12-week development programme comprises up to 6 placement rotations. Each intern’s journey is unique, and here’s an idea of what it could look like:
Placement 1: Bus Safety Development Team
- Support the implementation of Vision Zero initiatives aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on the bus network.
- Assist in analysing safety data to identify trends and recommend improvements to enhance passenger and driver safety.
Placement 2: Bus Customer Action Plan Team
- Collaborate on projects to improve the customer experience, such as enhancing bus interiors and developing accessible facilities.
- Conduct customer satisfaction research to identify key areas for improvement and help shape future initiatives.
Placement 3: Zero Emission Fleet Team
- Contribute to the roll-out of zero-emission buses by supporting project planning and logistics.
- Work with the engineering team to evaluate the environmental impact and performance of new zero-emission vehicles.
Placement 4: Operational Placement
- Gain hands-on experience by working alongside network traffic controllers to help manage live incidents and support real-time diversions.
- Assist bus station managers and garage teams in daily operations, including coordinating vehicle movements, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining service efficiency.
- Support operational teams in maintaining bus station efficiency and resolving day-to-day logistical challenges.
Placement 5: Victoria Station House
Work directly with operational managers to gain first-hand experience in managing Europe’s largest coach terminus, including coach scheduling, passenger flow coordination, and operational problem-solving.
Placement 6: Dial-a-Ride
- Get hands-on experience in journey scheduling and service coordination, ensuring efficient and effective transport for customers with limited mobility.
- Work alongside drivers and operations staff, participating in daily activities to understand the challenges and logistics of delivering door-to-door transport services.
Placements within this internship are designed to be flexible, tailored to the needs and interests of the interns. While the programme offers structured opportunities across six key areas, TfL aims to provide an experience that aligns with each intern’s career aspirations and goals. This flexibility ensures participants gain the most value from their placement while contributing meaningfully to the Bus and Coach Industry.
What can this internship offer?
Interns will have the opportunity to make a real impact within TfL’s Bus Operations. The internship in bus and coach is both varied and rewarding, with opportunities to work on innovative projects that improve safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
During this internship, participants will gain meaningful and valuable experience contributing to high-profile initiatives, such as advancing the roll-out of zero-emission buses, supporting Vision Zero safety improvements, and enhancing the customer experience across London’s bus network.
At the end of the placement, interns will be well-positioned to pursue further opportunities within the Bus and Coach Industry.
Training and Support:
TfL’s award-winning teams will support ongoing development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. Professional development will be supported through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.
Interns will also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from:
Placement Manager: Responsible for day-to-day management and support with development
Scheme Sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
Buddy: Usually an apprentice or graduate who provides support and ensures interns feel welcomed in the organisation
Development Adviser: Supports professional development through career coaching
What does TfL look for?
Core values are extremely important, and TfL desires candidates who are:
- Caring about colleagues, customers, and work
- Open to each other, to new ideas, and to working together
- Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate
Assessment Process:
Support and information around each assessment stage will be provided as candidates progress through the application.
Inclusive Recruitment Process:
TfL operates a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for disabled candidates. As a Disability Confident employer, TfL offers guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme and meet the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge, and experience.
The candidate experience is underpinned by a fair and robust reasonable adjustments process, in collaboration with Occupational Health colleagues and other expert organisations.
Contact TFLIf you require adjustments or have questions, please contact us:
- Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30)
- Email: EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk