Freightliner has named their newly acquired Class 90 locomotive No. 90014 ‘Over The Rainbow’ in recognition of key workers.

The freight operator wanted to acknowledge the efforts of key workers throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. The name ‘Over The Rainbow’ is a reminder of the contributions that NHS staff and other key workers throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

The naming ceremony took place at Freightliner‘s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Crewe, which was attended by a limited number of staff due to social distancing.

90014 is the second Class 90 locomotive to be repainted in the new Freightliner livery.

Freightliner has acquired 13 class 90 locomotives from Porterbrook to complement its existing 10 locomotives.

Following an address by CEO Gary Long, the name plate was unveiled by Freightliner Train Planner, David Clay who was the winner of a staff competition to name the Class 90 locomotive. He said “We wanted to recognise the tremendous effort of all key workers and, in particular, those in the transport and logistics industry,” said Long. “We are all having to deal with the daily challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but none more so than the key workers who continue to transport vital medical supplies, goods to keep supermarket shelves stocked and other services to keep our country running during these unprecedented times.”

“We thought that naming an electric Class 90 locomotive was appropriate as we look forward to the decarbonised future of freight movements,” added Long. “Freightliner has increased its fleet of Class 90 electric locomotives and is at the forefront of other initiatives aimed at reducing carbon, such as trialling longer trains. Investing in green transport infrastructure is vital to underpinning Britain’s future economic potential and its commitment to tackling climate change as well as meeting Government’s decarbonisation targets.”

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