Bus company highlights Hastings employee's journey as part of International Women's Day

Eveline joined the business in November 2014 as a bus driver at Stagecoach’s Hastings depot. After a decade working in a hospice, she was ready for a new chapter, something people-focused, but lighter. She found it on the buses.

“I really enjoyed being a driver. I was, and still am, very proud to work here,” she says.

Encouraged by a colleague to consider becoming a trainer, Eveline initially doubted herself. “He said, ‘You should go for it.’ She remembers thinking, ‘Really?’”

Around the same time, her personal life shifted dramatically. She went through divorce and, just five months later, her son was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour. It was a period of immense uncertainty. Instead of stepping back, she stepped forward.

“I thought to myself, I’m going to go for it and see what happens.”

Through it all, Stagecoach and her work family remained constant. “Jumping from one drama to another, the depot was my stable. It was like a rock, it was never going to move. My manager and colleagues supported me in my career and personally. Being told, ‘You are good enough. You are the right person for this.’ That meant everything.”

In September 2024, Eveline secured a permanent full-time Trainer role across Eastbourne and Hastings, delivering CPC training, mentoring drivers, conducting post-tests and supporting new recruits.

Giving back is central to her role. As a Mental Health First Aider, she proactively visits depots with colleagues to check in on teams and ensure support is visible and accessible. “We go out and ask, do you need someone to talk to?”

Eveline was even recognised by Stagecoach South East for supporting a colleague during a difficult time, and awarded the prestigious Silver Award, at the company’s internal People at the Heart (PATH) Awards.

She also plays an active part in driver engagement, helping organise seasonal thank-you initiatives, from cooking and serving Christmas/thank you lunches. “We like to say thank you to the drivers, thank you for being brilliant.”

Most recently, Eveline has written and is delivering a structured induction programme for new team members operating the Dotto Train in Eastbourne. With the Dotto Train launching on 28/03/26, she is preparing the new team with training on rules and regulations, customer engagement and local knowledge, including key points of interest such as Eastbourne Pier. Each recruit receives a local information pack, and Eveline accompanies them on route to build confidence and energy ahead of launch. Customers can find out more via the Stagecoach website.

“It’s high energy, most of the customers are holidaymakers. I encourage them to enjoy it and make it fun.”

Eveline is also a strong advocate for women in what has traditionally been a male-oriented industry. “Just do it, you’re going to have a great time. The guys look after you,” she says. “The men here are gentlemanly, there’s real teamwork.”

Looking back, Eveline reflects on how much she has gained by giving her time to mentor others, giving her support to colleagues, and giving herself permission to step outside her comfort zone.

After temporarily working in the Midlands, Eveline was warmly welcomed back by her teams in Eastbourne and Hastings.

“To come back to my home depot and be warmly welcomed, the support I receive, not just from the company but from my working family, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

This International Women’s Day, Eveline’s story reminds us that when we give belief, encouragement and opportunity, we gain resilience, confidence and community in return. In doing so, we build something stronger together.