SNCB puts a rainbow-coloured train on the tracks for the first time
Today, on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, SNCB introduces, for the first time, a rainbow-coloured train into service. This train will travel on various lines across the country for several months, including towards this Saturday's Belgian Pride in Brussels. Symbolically emphasizing the importance of inclusion and diversity, this train signifies SNCB's support in the fight against homophobic and transphobic discrimination.
The Desiro-type train, wrapped in rainbow colours, is already in operation as of today. It will be visible for several months on different rail lines, particularly in suburban areas around major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, and Charleroi.
On the way to PRIDE
This train will notably operate on May 20 during the Belgian Pride to transport participants and spectators (f/m/x) to Brussels. This colorful event, a parade of tolerance, will be easily accessible via Brussels-Central station.
To fully enjoy the event, SNCB offers the advantageous Weekend Ticket formula: a 50% discount on a round-trip journey during the weekend.
Additionally, in collaboration with TrainBow Belgium, the LGBTQIA+ association of Belgian railways, SNCB is illuminating Brussels-Central and Tournai stations until May 22 and hoisting rainbow flags at several stations, including Arlon, Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels-Midi, Liège-Guillemins, Mons, and Ottignies.
Nurturing diversity
As one of the largest employers in Belgium, catering to hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, SNCB aims to represent the diversity of our society in the best possible way.
This commitment to diversity issues, recognized with a Federal Diversity & Inclusion Award in 2021 and the diversity label from Actiris, the Brussels Regional Employment Office, in 2022, has allowed SNCB to develop concrete projects for inclusion in recruitment, HR policies, and communication.
For example, SNCB has created a guide for gender transition in the workplace, recruitment campaigns advocating diversity, and workplace accommodations for disabilities. These initiatives, among others, contribute to fostering diversity within the company.
TrainBow Belgium adds color to the railways
To promote the appreciation of professional skills without distinction and to ensure an inclusive working environment, SNCB has been working on inclusion and discrimination issues for several years in close collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ association TrainBow Belgium, consisting of employees from SNCB, Infrabel, and HR Rail.
