Women go onto... buses!

The International Fair of Local Public Transport TRANSEXPO is undoubtedly the largest event of this kind in Poland as well as in this part of Europe. TRANSEXPO (Targi Kielce, 16–18 September) provides an opportunity to unveil new products and present market hits, in addition to offering specialist training sessions, conferences and trade meetings. From 17th to 18th September, as part of the Fair, the 3rd National Local Transport Drivers Competition will be held. This spectacular event attracts a large number of participants, though the crowds of spectators admiringly watching the competition are even larger. The first round – theory tests – will consist in assessing the participants’ knowledge of traffic regulations, which each bus driver is obligated to be acquainted with. The second and third stages will check their skills within time limits in a specially prepared driving training area, with 12-metre-long Solaris buses being used. The competition will also include first aid skills and solving problems which the participants may have to face in their everyday work, as in addition to being a show, this competition should be an educational experience for local public transport employees.

I’ve always dreamt of participating in such a competition, says Magdalena Stachowiak, representing Translub Luboń, one of the seven female participants. I’ve been driving a bus for 3 years. Earlier I also happened to drive a truck. Breakdowns and other emergency situations on the road have demanded that I should show special skills, so I am experienced indeed. Now I’m preparing for the competition to be held in Kielce, as well as for the exam for the licence of driving instructor of category C and higher. Although I’ve never been discriminated in this profession, I want to once again prove that a woman can achieve anything. For example, instructing men in driving really big vehicles, she adds, smiling. As you can see, competing against such women will not be a piece of cake for these 57 men.

The main organizers are: Targi Kielce and the Economic Chamber of Local Public Transport, with assistance provided by the Road Traffic Department of the Voivodship Command of the Police in Kielce; Municipal Transport Company (MPK) Kielce, Municipal Transport Board (ZTM) Kielce, Voivodship Road Traffic Centre in Kielce, the Provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate in Kielce, and the Polish Red Cross. The sponsor of the first prize and the Main Partner of the Competition is Solaris Bus & Coach S.A. Partners and sponsors of other prizes are the following companies: Drabpol, PGNiG, R & G, and Kiel.

In addition to that, awards were presented by honorary patrons of the Competition: - Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship, Adam Jarubas – for the winner of the theory tests, - Świętokrzyski Voivode, Bożentyna Pałka–Koruba – for the driver who showed the highest first aid skills, - Mayor of Kielce, Wojciech Lubawski – for the best performer in the practical driving tests.