Dublin Bus has added five new drivers to its staff - but this latest graduation class is made up entirely of women.

The graduation of Jennifer Dixon, Elizabeth Cummins, Tracy Sullivan, Rachel Dunne and Sinead Hilliard brings the total number of women drivers to 84 - representing 3.3% of all drivers.

Dublin Bus has set a target of having 125 women drivers by the end of 2017, equating to 5% of all drivers.

Company research shows that women drivers have fewer accidents and deliver a higher level of customer satisfaction.

Executive in charge of training at the centre is Marie Beegan - who became CIE's first female Heavy Vehicle Apprentice Motor Mechanic, beginning her training in 1980.

Image: Dublin Bus

Speaking about the graduation of the first all-women class of drivers, Ray Coyne, Dublin Bus CEO said: "Until 2014 Dublin Bus had not recruited drivers for a period of six years and during this time the number of women drivers fell.

"Therefore we decided to actively work to recruit more women to the role and it’s fantastic to celebrate the graduation today of our first all-women class from our training centre here in Phibsborough.

"Our drivers are the face of the company and the job is a hugely rewarding one and I welcome them to the Dublin Bus team. I would also encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a driver to apply."

Dublin Bus is the biggest public transport provider in the State and carries 61% of all passengers on public transport into Dublin city centre.

It has been a part of the capital since 1987 with 110 routes - including 19 high-frequency ones that criss-cross the city.