Rail operators and partners across the UK have been out in force to celebrate Pride Month.
Last weekend, Siemens Mobility joined LGBT+ employees at Chippenham Pride Festival.
As a headline sponsor of the event, Siemens Mobility demonstrated its commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Rob Morris, Joint CEO for Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland said: “At Siemens Mobility, we believe that diversity is a strength, and we are proud to have sponsored this year’s Chippenham Pride.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and heard, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“By supporting this event, we aim to bring about positive change and create greater understanding for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Siemens Mobility’s employee resource groups have created an allyship guide, which will help to shift perceptions and provide guidance on LGBT+ matters and issues.
Elsewhere, West Midlands Railway (WMR) named one of its newest trains “Hurst Street” ahead of Birmingham Pride, honouring the city’s Gay Village.
The train is one of the new Class 730 fleet being rolled out on the Cross-Country Line through Birmingham, and was adorned with a rainbow diamond motif and the word PRIDE.
Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “We are proud to play an active part in our communities and celebrate the diversity of our people, our passengers and our region.
“The Gay Village is a huge part of Birmingham’s culture and identity and we are proud that the Hurst Street name is the first to adorn our newest train fleet.”
Staff from WMR took part in the Birmingham Pride parade last month.
Meanwhile, CrossCountry unveiled two special Pride-liveried trains which are operating across the country throughout June, in support of colleagues and customers in the LGBT+ community.
CrossCountry colleagues also took part in the Birmingham Pride parade for the first time alongside staff from Chiltern Railways and Grand Central.
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.”
The new-look trains from WMR and CrossCountry are part of an ever-growing collection of Pride-themed trains on the UK rail network this month.
Image credit: Siemens Mobility and West Midlands Railway
