West Midlands Railway (WMR) has named one of its newest trains “Hurst Street” in honour of the city’s famous Gay Village.
The train, which also features a stylish rainbow diamond motif and the word PRIDE, is one of the new Class 730 fleet being rolled out on the Cross City Line through Birmingham.
“Hurst Street” – also known as 730018 – is the first train in the fleet to be officially named. The fleet has been dubbed the ‘Landmark Class’, with further trains due to be named after other landmark locations across the West Midlands in coming months.
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.”
Lawrence Barton DL, festival director of Birmingham Pride, said: “Birmingham Pride is delighted to have partnered with West Midlands Railway for our 2024 celebrations.
“This inspirational Pride Train will act as a powerful symbol of hope and commitment in our ongoing mission to realise full equality for our LGBTQ+ community in the West Midlands and beyond.”
Colleagues from across WMR joined the official photocall at Lichfield Trent Valley on the Cross City Line to launch the new name, including members of the company’s Aspect group, supporting the LGBTQA+ community.
Staff from WMR, including workers from on-train and head office, will be among those taking part in the iconic Birmingham Pride parade on Saturday.
The Class 730 fleet is part of a £1billion investment in new trains and infrastructure by West Midlands Trains, parent company of WMR. The fleet entered service on the Cross City Line in April, with more and more trains being rolled out onto the route through the summer. For more information visit the WMR website.
