Rainbow Routemaster bus roars into sponsorship row

Transport for London today struck a blow for gay rights as it launched its new Rainbow Routemaster bus.

The rainbow liveried bus has been commissioned to mark the 10th anniversary of TfL’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff network group, OUTbound.

It will take part in events throughout the year, including this summer’s Pride in London parade, and help to celebrate and support the capital’s diversity.

But the decision to partner with Stagecoach, whose co-founder has previously been forced to deny accusations of homophobia, has prompted some concern.

Stagecoach chairman Sir Brian Souter opposed the repeal of Section 28 and has spoken out against gay marriage. Scottish independence campaigners were urged to return a £100,000 donation last year over concerns about his stance on gay rights.

Lib Dem Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon said: “Stagecoach was set up and is still led by a person who has had consistently been a major barrier to tackling discrimination against gay and lesbian people. I am really concerned that TfL was not aware of this before this initiative with Stagecoach.”