Ride with Pride – Metlink celebrates Wellington’s rainbow community

Greater Wellington councillors and Metlink staff joined the Wellington Pride Parade on Saturday 7 March, walking with the iconic ‘You are Loved’ Kinetic double-decker rainbow bus in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.

This Pride Month, Metlink is encouraging passengers to Ride with Pride and demonstrate respectful behaviour towards others to ensure that everyone, including the rainbow community, feels safe on board Metlink services.

Metlink senior manager for Network and Customer, Tamsin Evans, says it is important to remind passengers of their right to a safe and comfortable trip with Metlink.

“As well as being a celebration of diversity and self-expression, Pride Month is also a time to advocate for equity and inclusion,” says Evans.

“Being the 40th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform, this year marks a major milestone in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. Metlink is committed to continuing that legacy of inclusion and our Conditions of Carriage state that we do not allow behaviour or language which endangers or causes discomfort or offence to other passengers or staff.”

“Everyone has the right to feel respected and welcome on board our services at all times, and Pride month is an opportunity for us to show support for our LGBTQIA+ passengers and their community that is such an integral part of Wellington’s culture.”

Staff may refuse entry or ask someone to leave the service they’re on if they are causing another passenger to feel unsafe adds Evans.

“We may also cancel a ticket without a refund if the Conditions of Carriage are not adhered to.”

Bus driver Kelly has worked at Kinetic for 11 years and has helmed the “You are Loved” bus in the Pride Parade for the last three years, a drive she takes great pleasure in.

“It feels so good to support my community and drive a diverse range of people. Everyone deserves to be loved,” says Kelly.

Walking alongside the bus in the parade was Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter and Public Transport Committee deputy-chair Tom James.

“It was such a joyful event and I was honoured to be there representing Greater Wellington and Metlink,” says Cr Ponter.

“It was particularly great to hear all the shouts of “thanks driver!” from the crowds as the bus passed by. The parade really showed what Wellington does best: inclusion, respect and community.”

If someone is displaying harmful or threatening behaviour, passengers can report this on the Metlink website or to 0800 801 700.