SkyBus launches two new Pride Buses ahead of IDAHOBIT
SkyBus has proudly added two more Pride Buses to its fleets in Victoria and Tasmania – because everyone is welcome on board.
It’s a first for Tasmania, with the rainbow-wrapped bus now greeting visitors landing at Hobart Airport on our SkyBus airport transfer service, which has recorded the busiest start to the year on record since launching in 2018.
Featuring the Progress Pride Flag and the words “You Are Loved”, the special design transforms the iconic red SkyBus into a rolling rainbow reminder that everyone should feel welcome, safe and respected.
Not only do our Pride Buses offer an inclusive welcome to visitors to Victoria & Tasmania, they’re also an important, permanent symbol of LGBTQI+ visibility to the broader community.
With May 1 marking the anniversary of the decriminalisation of male same-sex relationships in Tasmania, and IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) on May 17, it’s a timely message to the community.
SkyBus owner Kinetic launched its first Pride Bus in early 2022. The Tasmanian ‘Pride Bus’ will be our tenth, rolling out the rainbow wrap across Australia and New Zealand.
The colourful initiative is part of Kinetic’s commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusion, recognising and supporting all sexualities, genders, identities and cultures both in the workplace and in the communities we serve.
Driving LGBTQI+ inclusion and allyship is among Kinetic’s core sustainability priorities, designed to address deepening inequality in society. Kinetic is also driving gender balance, aspiring to have 50 per cent women in its workforce by 2030.
Kinetic Tasmania General Manager Drew Freeman said he hoped the initiative would encourage people to better understand the importance of recognising people for who they are.
“We know our communities can flourish when we are confident and comfortable being our true, whole and best selves – and this vehicle is a colourful and very visible daily reminder of just how important this really is,” Mr Freeman said
“Tasmania’s brand is built on environmental conservation, tourism and natural wonder, and culinary delight. We also aspire to be a state known for how we embrace our LGBTQI+ community, and continue to challenge ourselves to be more inclusive.”
“As we continue to welcome more and more visitors and locals alike into Tasmania, we are so proud to continue to build on their first experience in our state.”
“Last year we launched Tasmania’s first two electric buses into service, offering a green and clean welcome. The message the Pride Bus will send is something we are equally proud of.”
