CrossCountry has announced that two of its diesel multiple units will be receiving Pride-theme liveries, in order to show the operators continued support of the LGBT+ community.

It is anticipated that Turbostar unit 170618 will be one of the chosen trains, and Voyager 220005 has also been selected.

As CrossCountry serves over 100 stations, with an operating area which spans from the south of England to the north of Scotland, rail passengers across the country have a chance of seeing the special designs.

Other operators, such as Great Western Railway and London North East Railway, have also released Pride-themed liveries on trains that have come to be called ‘trainbows’.

The launch of CrossCountry’s Pride Turbostar and Voyager comes at a particularly appropriate time, as they will be ready to take customers to Birmingham for this weekend’s Birmingham Pride, set to be held on Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 May.

This year, for the first time ever, CrossCountry employees will also be taking part in the Birmingham Pride parade itself.

They will be handing out freebies and will be supported by a decorated bus and representatives from Chiltern Railways and Grand Central.

We’re delighted to unveil CrossCountry’s first-ever Pride-liveried trains.  It’s important for us, as a train company connecting so many parts of Great Britain, to demonstrate our commitment to the diverse communities that we serve and that make up the CrossCountry family.

We’re always keen to do even more to create an environment that encourages our colleagues to bring their whole self to work – and these specially-liveried trains are a fantastic symbol of that ongoing commitment.

Julian Edwards and Scott Maynard, CrossCountry’s Interim Managing Directors

We want the railway to be a diverse and welcoming place to work for colleagues, customers and the communities we serve across the country.

We can’t wait to share the love at Birmingham Pride this Saturday – and maybe even tempt people to think about joining the railway family themselves!

CrossCountry’s Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Paul Fitzgerald