The first Pride train staffed entirely by LGBTQ+ crew goes into service on the West Coast main line today (Tuesday August 25).
Billed as the biggest Pride flag the UK has seen on the side of a train, the 11-carriage, 265 metre-long Pendolino will be waved off by intercity rail operator Avanti West Coast staff and members of the LGBTQ+ community at Euston, for its inaugural run to Manchester Piccadilly station.
As the livery will become a permanent part of Avanti West Coast's full fleet, including those operating out of Liverpool Lime Street station, the LGBTQ+ community is being given the opportunity to name the train.
A competition will also be launched on Tuesday calling for entries to be submitted via its website with the winning name announced in October.
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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: "It is a symbol of our commitment to diversity and inclusion as it travels up and down the West Coast Main Line."
Avanti West Coast took over the running of the service from Virgin Trains last year.
