GREATER ANGLIA has become the latest train operator to add a specially devised Pride livery to one of its train fleet.
Pride branding and transgender flags have been applied to GA Class 720 Aventra electric multiple unit 720506, and the new-look train was unveiled at London Liverpool Street station on July 27.
The livery, which was the idea of GA train service manager Lee Shaw, was applied at Ilford depot and will remain on 720506 permanently. The Class 720 EMUs operate between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, as well as between London Liverpool Street and Clacton, Harwich and Ipswich, along with other GA electrified routes across Essex and Hertfordshire.
GA says that the Pride train is part of the company’s wider diversity and inclusion strategy, it working to make itself a better and more inclusive place to work. A working group of LGBT+ colleagues and supporting allies, called Affinity, was set up earlier in the year, run by frontline GA staff and managers to inspire action, education and connection. Affinity will also work as a support community around the topic of sexuality, ensuring that GA can be as inclusive as possible.
GA managing director Jamie Burles said: “Many of our colleagues at Greater Anglia are members of the LGBT+ community, along with many of our customers too.
It is important we show that they and everyone are welcome on the railway, right across all the many destinations we serve on the GA network.
“We are pleased to celebrate our continuing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and, in particular, our LGBT+ colleagues and customers, with this livery showing that Pride is all-year round.
“Suggested and developed by GA colleagues, it’s a really positive and very visible initiative on a train that will operate on many of our routes, helping to embed and symbolise our ongoing work to make Greater Anglia a welcoming place for all.”
IN BRIEF
Young railway enthusiast
