Nottingham is host to the region's largest free Pride event, welcoming thousands of marchers each year. Ahead of this year's celebrations on Saturday 25 July, the team at Nottingham Express Transit (NET) shares the three ways it's showcasing its support for the city's LGBTQ+ community.
As large groups of people from Nottinghamshire and beyond are expected to descend upon Nottingham centre, the transport operator will be rolling out a revised timetable so visitors can attend the Pride celebrations and march safely.
There will be no services running between the Nottingham Station and the Royal Centre between approximately 11:20am and 2.30pm, to enable essential road closures required while the Pride march takes place across the city. The Old Market Square and Lace Market tram stops will remain closed during this time, and there will be no alternative transport options while the closure is in place.
Trams will still be running across the wider network, with trams departing from the Royal Centre towards Hucknall and Phoenix Park, and from Nottingham Station towards Clifton South and Toton Lane. Regular tram service will then resume at all stops from approximately 2:30pm when NET will return to its normal Saturday schedule.
"This day is important for so many people in Nottingham, as well as many people who will be visiting our city to celebrate community and inclusion. Our temporary tram stop closures are an essential way for us to help keep people safe during a really busy day, and we'd like to thank the public for their patience and helping us to make this a great event for the city."
Shaun Kenneth, service delivery and security manager at NET
NET's rainbow tram can also be seen on the tracks for a third year to celebrate Pride in style, featuring eye-catching artwork that was selected from a shortlist by the company's LGBTQ+ staff group.
While the technicolour tram showcases the organisation's support for the local Notts Pride event, the tram operator's commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community goes far beyond just one month. This symbolic gesture also offers recognition and representation of the many LGBTQ+ NET team members, including driver Charlotte, aged 60, who has recently transitioned. The support she received from NET, she says, was a crucial part of her journey towards living life as she has always wanted.
"I felt confident coming out at NET as the message of integrity, inclusion and diversity internally is so strong. After previously working in different places where this wasn't the case, now felt like the perfect time and it felt so liberating.
"Being able to now do the job I love and drive passengers as my true self is just wonderful. Small moments such as getting my new uniform together and hearing my name 'Charlotte' being announced in the depot to call me up to work was amazing and gave me that extra affirmation, after carrying the burden of being two people for so long.
"NET have been on board and part of my journey since day one. My philosophy has always been about openness and educating people, helping to pave the way for others in the company too and helping them feel confident."
Charlotte, NET driver
"We always want people to 'ride with Pride' all year round, but with our rainbow tram we're making it official and visible during an important time of year for the community.
"It's brilliant to hear Charlotte's story and her journey with us at NET, and her experience is exactly what we hope to achieve through our open and accepting culture. We always strive to make Nottingham's trams a safe space for all our customers, as well as our staff, and this is something we're proud of."
Rebecca Horne, business engagement manager at NET
To find out more about NET, including more information on the service update on Saturday 25 July, visit the service status webpage.