Stagecoach West has opened its support of the LGBTQ+ community for 2024 by attending the first of six Pride events across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire that are being held over the spring and summer.
The first of those was in Cheltenham on 18 May and will be followed at Witney on 25 May. Beyond that, the operator will attend gatherings in Oxford, Bristol, Swindon, and Gloucester.
Present at many of those will be its Pride bus, which is wrapped in the colours of the Progress Flag. Several Stagecoach West staff will also attend, representing the operator and giving fellow visitors the opportunity to find out about bus services and win various prizes.
Inside the Pride Bus – a Scania Alexander Dennis Enviro400 – are visual demonstrations of the operator’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and its diversity pledge within the business.
Stagecoach has a variety of employee networks for staff to join, including LGBTQ+ alongside veterans, parents, and multicultural. Those were introduced to educate and promote causes within the business, creating a more inclusive workplace and giving employees a louder voice.
Speaking about the Pride work across the spring and summer, Stagecoach West Commercial and Marketing Director Karen Coventry says: “We are delighted to be involved with Pride events across our region this year.
“Stagecoach West is an inclusive company, so it is important that we show our support of the LGBTQ+ community and let everyone know that they are welcome and valued, both in the workforce and onboard our buses.
“Our employee-led networks give members the freedom to push boundaries, encourage change, and support colleagues – all things that make Stagecoach West such a great place to work. Pride is a fun, vibrant and important event, and I hope it is wonderful for all involved.”
