Women in Bus and Coach has unveiled two blue plaques in honour of Helen Clifford, one at Stratford Bus Exchange and one at London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. These plaques recognise Helen’s achievements as London Transport’s first female bus mechanic and celebrate what Women in Bus and Coach describe as her lasting impact on the transport industry.

The Women in Bus and Coach Blue Plaque scheme recognises and commemorates women who have made significant contributions to the bus, coach and community transport sector.

Helen Clifford made history in 1984 when, at 18 years old, she qualified as London Transport’s first female bus mechanic after completing her training at West Ham Garage. Women in Bus and Coach say that her achievement marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward greater inclusion and representation for women in the transport industry. Helen later went on to qualify as a bus driver and continues to drive today for Stagecoach in Perth, Scotland.

The first plaque was unveiled at Stratford Bus Interchange, the closest site to the now-closed West Ham Garage, in front of an audience that included senior representatives from Transport for London, Stagecoach and local councillors.

This second plaque was unveiled at the London Transport Museum as part of a Women in Bus and Coach evening event celebrating women’s contributions to the sector. Helen’s plaque is located next to an existing Women in Bus and Coach blue plaque for London’s first female bus driver, Jill Viner.

Helen Clifford attended the celebrations alongside her family.

Elizabeth McKay, London Transport Museum’s Director and CEO, said:

“London is a city defined and shaped by its transport, and women have always been an important part of that history. Helen is one of the remarkable women whose career helped inspire and create opportunities for women working in the industry. It makes me incredibly proud that London Transport Museum is now home to two blue plaques acknowledging women whose contributions to transport deserve lasting recognition.”

“Helen Clifford and Jill Viner’s achievements are now woven into the important story told through our collection of more than 500,000 objects, helping us preserve and share the stories of the women who have shaped London’s past and continue to influence its future.”

Laura Hadzik, Chair of Women in Bus and Coach, commented:

“Today is about recognising not just one remarkable woman, but a turning point in our industry’s history. Helen Clifford broke barriers at a time when the transport sector was overwhelmingly male-dominated, and her determination opened doors for countless women who followed. These plaques ensure her story is not only remembered but continues to inspire future generations to see transport as a place where they belong and can thrive.”

Isabel Coman, TfL’s Director of Engineering, said: 

“By honouring Helen Clifford with a blue plaque, we are recognising not only her remarkable achievement as the first woman bus mechanic, but also the many women whose contributions were too often overlooked. I hope this stands as a powerful symbol of progress, visibility and the importance of recognising women who changed the course of their industries.”

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland, said:

“Helen’s achievement was truly pioneering and represents a defining moment in the journey towards a more inclusive transport industry. At a time when barriers were significant, her determination and skill helped challenge perceptions and open doors for future generations.

“Recognising trailblazers like Helen is incredibly important. It not only honours her contribution but also reinforces the progress we continue to make as an industry in creating opportunities for women to thrive across all roles.

“We’re proud to call Helen a colleague and she is a valued member of our Perth team.”

Helen Clifford said: “It’s incredibly special to be recognised in this way, and to share the moment with my family makes it even more meaningful. When I started out, I simply wanted to do a job I loved, but I’m proud to know that it helped challenge perceptions and create opportunities for others. Seeing how far the industry has come since then is truly rewarding, and I hope my story encourages more women to consider a career in transport.”

Visitors to London Transport Museum can learn more about the contributions women have made and continue to make to the transport sector by exploring the Museum’s collection.

For more information about the Women in Bus and Coach Blue Plaque Initiative, click HERE.

(Picture: Women in Bus and Coach)