Fury as National Express takes ‘rainbow’ Pride bus off route after ‘haters’ threaten drivers

NATIONAL Express has removed a Pride bus from one of its routes – due to threats to its drivers.

The rainbow-painted double-decker bus was launched in 2019 to help celebrate “diverse communities and cultures”.

But the vehicle has now been withdrawn from one of its scheduled circuits in Birmingham due to intimidation from staff.

A source said: “Many company drivers are in an uproar because it appears the haters are allowed to win.

“We know safety has to come first – but we can’t believe anyone would bother having such a big problem with the bus’ paintwork.”

National Express West Midlands said suspending a route was “standard procedure” when a threat was made – although no further details about the threat were provided.

A spokesperson added that the measure was taken to preserve the “safety and well-being” of staff and passengers, and made after a “risk assessment”.

They added: “We are proud to serve and celebrate our diverse colleagues, customers and communities in Birmingham.

“Per policy, if we receive specific threats, we perform a risk assessment and over a period of time we may change the schedule to mitigate a risk.

“The safety and well-being of our colleagues and customers is of utmost importance and we do not tolerate abuse or threats of any kind.”

In 2019, a driver in Norwich was suspended by Go East Anglia after refusing to drive the Pride bus there because it “promoted homosexuality”.

Last year, South Wales Police came under fire after PCSOs took part in a Pride-themed bus ride with a drag band called Coco Aine.