South Western Railway (SWR) launched the UK’s first Intersex-Inclusive Pride train on Monday, March 27 to “show support for and solidarity with LGBTQ+ customers and colleagues and the community at large”.
The new livery was applied to a Class 444 train at the Bournemouth Depot and is now in service. On its first run, the newly designed train was crewed exclusively by LGBTQ+ SWR colleagues.
Observers will be able to spot the newly decorated train flying the flag on the busy South West Main Line between London Waterloo and Weymouth, travelling through Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, and Dorset.
SWR revealed its inaugural ‘Trainbow’ train with a Pride flag livery in 2019 ahead of Southampton Pride, the annual event that SWR first sponsored in 2017 and will sponsor for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Stuart Meek, Chief Operating Officer of SWR, commented: “It is wonderful to have this train proudly flying the flag for equality on our network, furthering inclusion with the new Intersex-Inclusive flag design, and visibly showing our support for LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers.
“SWR is one family, and we are committed to fostering a sense of togetherness and standing up for all of our customers and colleagues, and all of the communities we serve.”
Bryce Hunt, Weymouth Station Manager and Chair of SWR’s Pride Network, added: “Being proud of who you are is the opportunity to be openly expressive, loving, and honest. Our commitment to our colleagues and customers is that they can be unafraid of their true self and be met with understanding and support.
“Our Pride Network has released this new livery which shows our full commitment to the communities we serve internally and externally.”
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