Train operator CrossCountry has unveiled two specially-liveried trains which will operate across the country this Pride season, spreading the love through Birmingham and beyond.
For the first time ever, CrossCountry colleagues will be taking part in Birmingham Pride Parade this Saturday, 26 May. Together with colleagues from Chiltern Railways and Grand Central, colleagues will walk with a specially-decorated bus to mingle with the crowds and give out free goodies.
CrossCountry’s Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Paul Fitzgerald, said: “We want the railway to be a diverse and welcoming place to work for colleagues, customers and the communities we serve across the country.
“We can’t wait to share the love at Birmingham Pride this Saturday – and maybe even tempt people to think about joining the railway family themselves!”
After Birmingham Pride this weekend, Turbostar unit 170618* will spend the summer taking customers from Birmingham to and from Pride festivals from Cambridge to Cardiff, and everywhere in between.
Elsewhere, intercity Voyager unit 220005 will be racking up the miles taking customers from Birmingham to all corners of the country – to Scotland and the North East of England, towards Manchester, Bristol, Bournemouth, Southampton – even as far afield as Penzance.
Julian Edwards and Scott Maynard, CrossCountry’s Interim Managing Directors, said: “We’re delighted to unveil CrossCountry’s first-ever Pride-liveried trains. It’s important for us, as a train company connecting so many parts of Great Britain, to demonstrate our commitment to the diverse communities that we serve and that make up the CrossCountry family.
“We’re always keen to do even more to create an environment that encourages our colleagues to bring their whole self to work – and these specially-liveried trains are a fantastic symbol of that ongoing commitment.”
Eagled-eyed enthusiasts are encouraged to share photos of the new-look trains on social media and share with @CrossCountryUK on X/Twitter, or @crosscountrytrains on Instagram.