Avanti West Coast last week launched the UK’s first fully wrapped Pride train, which was entirely staffed by an LGBTQ+ team for its maiden voyage on 25 August.
The Pendolino was wrapped in Liverpool with the progressive Pride flag, after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of Pride events across the country, which Avanti West Coast had planned to support.
You can see a video of the train being wrapped at Liverpool’s Edge Hill depot, just outside Lime Street, below.
The train operator used 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 who have been lost to HIV/AIDS to the forefront, highlighting Avanti West Coast’s progressive commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The 11-carriage, 265 metre-long train has been billed as the biggest Pride flag the UK has seen on the side of a train and will become a permanent part of Avanti West Coast’s full fleet. A competition for the LGBTQ+ community to name the train will be launched this week.
Speaking at the launch, 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.”
Discussing how Pride means more for the diversity and inclusion of people up and down the West Coast Main Line, 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”.
