TransPennine Express (TPE) has unveiled a dedicated Pride train to kickstart its first ever ‘TPE Week of Inclusion’ and partnership with The Proud Trust.
The Nova 1 ‘Unity’ train, is set to travel through the North and into Scotland, becoming a beacon of hope for the diverse communities TPE serves.
The train set off on its inaugural journey from Newcastle this morning, featuring the most up to date Pride Progress Flag that includes a five-striped chevron to the left side of the flag representing LGBTQ+ people of colour and the trans community.
The newly wrapped train was unveiled as TPE announced the start of ‘TPE Week of Inclusion’ which will see the train company celebrate diversity and embrace the individuality of both its employees and customers.
Chris Jackson, Managing Director of TPE, said: “At TPE, we strive to make sure everyone in our business feels included, that every individual, of every background and culture, feels heard and celebrated for what they bring to our team.
“The launch of our Unity Train on the first day of ‘TPE Week of Inclusion’ is a historic moment for TPE, we want people of all backgrounds and characteristics to feel welcome, whether that’s using our services, applying for jobs or whilst at work.
“I’m thrilled that our Nova train featuring the Pride Progress Flag will now shine brightly as it travels throughout the North and Scotland and I’m looking forward to celebrating the diversity of our colleagues and customers this week.”
To mark the week, TPE also announced a partnership with The Proud Trust, an LGBT+ youth charity empowering young people to be proud of who they are.
Lisa Harvey Nebil, CEO of The Proud Trust, said: “Seeing the Unity Train in all its glory this morning fills myself and our team with huge pride and we can’t wait for the LGBT+ community to see the train as it travels throughout the north.
“We’ve already received fantastic support from TPE and we’re looking forward to doing more inspiring work together.”
This week, during ‘TPE Week of Inclusion’, TPE will celebrate diversity and embrace individuality to unite communities. Each day, TPE will celebrate employees who work for TPE who have their own unique story to share.
Hans Ekonje, Driver Instructor at Manchester Piccadilly, Georgina Young, Regional Customer Experience Manager, Kerri-Anne Scott, Conductor at Preston, Becky Woodhead, Conductor at Cleethorpes and Luke Gardner, Timetable Development and Delivery Manager will all be featured on TPE’s social media channels this week.
Harriet Harbidge, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at TPE, said: “We’re so excited to celebrate our first ever ‘TPE Week of Inclusion’. Launching the ‘Unity Train’ is a perfect way to kickstart the week and speaking to our LGBTQ+ network group we know how important it is, to our colleagues and the communities we serve, that this train is now in service.”
TPE recently released its blueprint to make journeys better which includes its aim to embrace equality, diversity and inclusion to build knowledge and confidence to foster and embed a companywide culture of inclusion.
Photo credit: TPE
