by InTrieste
At just 21 years old, Irene Degrassi is already behind the wheel of one of Trieste’s iconic blue buses. A new recruit at Trieste Trasporti, the city’s public transportation company, Degrassi represents a growing trend in the region: women drivers are no longer a rarity.
For decades, female bus drivers were few and far between, regarded almost as an anomaly in a profession dominated by men. But the landscape is rapidly changing. Today, one in five new hires behind the wheel at Trieste Trasporti is a woman. Since the beginning of 2023, 14 female drivers have joined the company, reflecting a broader shift across Italy’s northeastern region.
“I’ve always loved buses, and now, at 21, I’m living my dream,” Degrassi said in a recent interview. She has been on the job for three months, steering her bus through the winding streets of this historic city with confidence that belies her age.
The increasing number of women drivers isn’t limited to Trieste’s office workers or administrative roles, traditionally dominated by women. According to Trieste Trasporti, the percentage of female bus drivers has now surpassed 10%, with the average age of these drivers just over 35. The company stands out among Italian transport firms, boasting one of the highest percentages of female drivers in the country.
Breaking Barriers on the Road
Antonella Russotto, another bus driver at Trieste Trasporti, has been with the company for several years. “I feel completely comfortable here,” she said, reflecting on her experience in what was once a male-dominated profession. Her sentiments are echoed by many of her colleagues.
For Alessandra Leone, a veteran driver, the sight of a woman behind the wheel was once “something strange.” When she began her career, female bus drivers were so rare that they often became the subject of conversation. But as more women enter the field, these stereotypes are being dismantled. “Parking a bus isn’t hard at all,” she remarked, dismissing one of the common misconceptions about the job.
This shift is a significant one for Trieste, a city with deep historical and cultural roots, where tradition often runs strong. Yet the rise of women in the workforce, especially in fields like transportation, is reflective of a broader cultural change sweeping through Italy.
A Career Transformation
The road to becoming a bus driver has meant a radical life change for Martina Godina. Just six months ago, Godina was teaching art, struggling with financial instability in a profession that offered little security. Today, she’s a full-time driver for Trieste Trasporti, finding both job satisfaction and stability in her new role.
“It’s not easy to spend seven hours a day behind the wheel,” Godina admitted, “but the security and the satisfaction it gives me make it worthwhile.”
Trieste Trasporti’s commitment to hiring more female drivers is part of a conscious effort to diversify its workforce. While the company is seeing an increase in female representation, it’s still a male-dominated field. But for women like Degrassi, Russotto, Leone, and Godina, the bus has become more than just a means of transport—it’s a symbol of the changing times.
As Trieste’s streets become increasingly navigated by women, it is clear that the role of women in this city, and in Italy’s broader public transportation sector, is evolving. Women are no longer passengers—they are now in the driver’s seat.
