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Alstom, a frontrunner in smart and eco-friendly mobility solutions, has partnered with East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Nottingham Express Transit (NET) to introduce a unique tram design celebrating Pride and the LGBTQ+ community.
Tram number 213, now adorned with a vibrant rainbow motif, aptly named ‘trambow’, operates across Nottingham’s two light rail lines, intersecting with EMR’s heavier rail services at Nottingham, Bulwell, and Hucknall stations.
In anticipation of the upcoming Notts Pride on Saturday, July 27, the three collaborators are championing the ‘Ride with Pride’ initiative. They emphasize that their services and employment opportunities promote an inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to be themselves and thrive. Additionally, they are highlighting the local public transportation as a fashionable, eco-friendly, and communal way to attend Notts Pride.
“Alstom is proud to collaborate with EMR and NET to bring our vibrant ‘trambow’ to Nottingham’s streets in celebration of Pride. Tram 213’s new look is a statement of our collective commitment to diversity, inclusion and the right of every individual to be their authentic self – either as a fare-paying passenger or a colleague,” said Peter Broadley, Services Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom.
He added: “By riding with Pride together, we not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also promote a more inclusive public transport system across the East Midlands and beyond. We look forward to marching together at Notts Pride, symbolising unity and our shared journey towards nurturing a more fair and equal society.”
Constructed by Alstom at Derby Litchurch Lane Works, Tram 213 is part of the initial batch of 15 vehicles produced for NET between 2002 and 2003. With the expansion of Nottingham’s network in 2015, Alstom also created 22 Citadis trams and continues to service all 37 vehicles from their Wilkinson Street depot.
The Basford facility features two maintenance tracks, one of which is powered, alongside a sanding track, a wheel lathe, a tram wash, and four stabling tracks.
“As a core transport provider for the city, our new ‘Ride with Pride’ tram is a vibrant symbol of our commitment to the spirit of diversity and inclusion in Nottingham,” said Sarah Turner, Service Delivery and Safety Director and EDI Lead at NET.
She added: “Across our network, we’re always working to make our trams a safe space for all our customers, including the LGBTQ+ community. During July, we’re excited to be celebrating Nottinghamshire’s LGBTQ+ community through our eye-catching new design, in collaboration with our partners Alstom and EMR, as we continue our dedication to equality and acceptance both across our network and the wider city.”
In 2018, Alstom UK and Ireland established Voices of Pride+, an employee resource group dedicated to LGBTQ+ employees and allies, aiming to foster authenticity in the workplace.
As a major supplier of new trains and services in the UK, Alstom’s portfolio includes several ‘trainbow’-decorated vehicles such as EMR’s Class 158 Express Sprinter 158773, Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolino 390119, and West Midlands Railway’s Class 730 Aventra 730018, named ‘Hurst Street’ after Birmingham’s Gay Village. Additionally, a significant number of the 147 trams Alstom manufactured for Manchester Metrolink also feature the ‘trambow’.
EMR’s Stronger Together, one of six employee network groups, strives to represent its LGBTQ+ employees effectively and enhance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
“We are proud to be part of this initiative celebrating Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. The ‘trambow’ is more than just a colorful design; it’s a powerful symbol of inclusivity and acceptance,” said Carl Rowland, Accessibility and Inclusion Delivery Manager at East Midlands Railway.
He added: “At EMR, we strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone, whether they are traveling with us or working within our teams. This collaboration with Alstom and NET highlights our commitment to diversity and the importance of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Notts Pride, a volunteer-run charity, organizes the largest free Pride event in the UK’s East Midlands, showcasing and amplifying Nottinghamshire’s lively LGBTQ+ community. In 2024, Alstom, EMR, and NET will collectively participate in the Notts Pride Parade, standing alongside over 7,000 LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
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