25.08.20
The UK’s first fully wrapped Pride train by Avanti West Coast
Staffed by a full LGBTQ+ crew, the UK’s first train to be fully wrapped in the progressive Pride flag, 11 carriage long, will run its first official service today (25 Aug).
After the Covid-19 outbreak forced the cancellation of Pride events across the country, which the train operator had planned on supporting, the intercity rail operator has completely covered one of its iconic Pendolinos with the progressive Pride flag.
The flag is the most recent iteration of the Pride flag which sees the addition of the colours black, brown, light blue, pink and white to bring people of colour, transgender people and those living with or have been lost to HIV/AiDS to the forefront highlighting Avanti West Coast’s progressive pledge to diversity and inclusion.
The train will be waved off by Avanti West Coast staff and members of the LGBTQ+ community at Euston and will then arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station this morning.
As the livery will become an everlasting part of Avanti West Coast’s full fleet, the LGBTQ+ community will also have the chance to name the train. A competition will be launched on Tuesday calling for entries to be submitted via its website with the winning name announced in October.
Train manager, Paul Austin, said: “This is about being accepted for who I am and representing the LGBTQ+ community we serve across our network. Being a part of the UK’s first all LGBTQ+ crew is a sign of the steps we’re taking towards a more inclusive, diverse and equal society and I am so proud to be involved today.”
Avanti West Coast Executive Director, Commercial, Sarah Copley said: “I’m delighted to be launching our new Avanti West Coast Pride Train which represents everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. It is a symbol of our commitment to diversity and inclusion as it travels up and down the West Coast Main Line. We Live Proud 365 days a year, not just today.”
“I am so proud to be a part of a business where our people represent the communities we serve. We are always listening to them and customers to ensure our diversity and inclusion strategy is relevant. Our new train livery is a powerful example of keeping the conversation going”.
Images & Video: Avanti West Coast