Pink Bus puts women’s health in the driver’s seat               

Today, female team members from across Newcastle Transport’s bus, ferry and light rail network, traded the usual driver seats for a ride on the ‘Pink Bus’, a staff-led initiative to book regular breast screens.

Held each year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Pink Bus encourages women in the team to have a mammogram every two years.

The initiative began in 2011, when Bus Operator, Margaret Pannell started it after a colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40. Since then, three members of the team have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and all three are survivors today.

Keolis Hunter Bus Operator Tracey Gaston took over the initiative after Margaret retired last year.

“This is a job that I cherish, and it is even more close to my heart since my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025,” said Tracey.

“This year we have 15 women taking part. While it is not something we look forward to, as it can feel a bit uncomfortable, we make it fun by decorating the bus together and wearing a splash of pink to raise awareness across the day, and there are always lots of laughs.”

“If you are aged 40 to 74, consider this your reminder to make the appointment and get your free breast screen.

“I hope to see this important initiative running for a long time and encouraging as many women as possible out there to have their check up.”

A fundraiser is being held across the Newcastle Transport depots to raise money for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation.