Kinetic launches a mobile symbol of support and acceptance for Hobart’s LGBTQ+ community

A free community bus ride marked Wear it Purple Day in Hobart this morning, as the first Pride bus in Hobart dedicated to spreading a message of love and acceptance across the whole city was officially launched.

The rainbow-wrapped Kinetic charter bus, featuring the message “You Are Loved” and vibrant Pride colours, took community members on a tour around Hobart in celebration of the national day supporting young LGBTQ+ people, visiting key Hobart landmarks like Mount Nelson, Kingston Beach and MONA.

The bus tour was a collaboration between transport operator Kinetic, TasPride, Equality Tasmania and Working it Out, bringing Hobartians together to promote visibility and inclusion for Tasmania’s LGBTQ+ community.

The new Pride bus, which will provide charter services across Greater Hobart, will join Kinetic’s existing Pride-wrapped SkyBus that operates on the Hobart CBD to airport route, expanding the reach of positive messaging across the city’s transport network.

Kinetic General Manager (Tasmania) Andrew Grzinic said Kinetic’s Pride buses were about the importance of creating safe spaces for all members of the community across the city.

“We’ve received such great community feedback about our Pride-wrapped SkyBus, and wanted to bring a second bus to Hobart that would travel around the whole city, bringing a message of inclusion to all who comes across it,” said Mr Grzinic.

“The bus sends a clear message that everyone should feel comfortable being themselves, and that our community stands together in support of LGBTQ+ Tasmanians.”

Bus driver, and proud member of the Pride community, Bee Kingston said she was proud to be getting behind the wheel and promoting the message of acceptance for all.

“As a proud member of the rainbow community and a current employee of Kinetic, I have a deep passion in ensuring every bus I drive is a safe and welcoming space for all, said Ms Kingston.

“It’s not just about getting people from A to B, it’s about making sure everyone is respected, valued, and can be their true authentic self whilst travelling onboard.”

TasPride Committee Member Phoebe Adams said the partnership with Kinetic has already provided reliable transport for LGBTIQA+ community events including the Artfully Queer fundraiser, New NorFUNK.

"We look forward to continuing our partnership with Kinetic, who have shown their active support of diversity and inclusion, not just in words but in actions," said Adams.

Equality Tasmania board member Trenton Hoare said that, as a queer person from regional Tasmania, they knew the importance of visible signs of pride like this.

"It tells young LGBTIQA+ people they are not alone, and it reminds the rest of the community that inclusion is a goal to which most Tasmanians aspire,” said Mx Hoare.

"In the last few months, we have seen a number of companies withdraw their support from Pride events in other countries. So, it’s great to see companies like Kinetic increasing their support for our community."

Today’s community ride marks the beginning of the charter bus’s journey of spreading acceptance and support throughout Hobart, with the rainbow-themed vehicle serving as a mobile symbol of unity and love.