'Woke' train firm excludes word 'women' in free tampon scheme

Gareth Bacon hits out at Avanti West Coast's 'together we roll' initiative
GB News
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 29/05/2025

- 17:05

Avanti West Coast has launched the Package for a Friend scheme

Avanti West Coast has been criticised by gender-critical campaigners after launching a free tampon scheme without mentioning women or females in its official announcement.

The train company instead referred to "customers" and "people" who may benefit from the rollout of the toiletries.


On Wednesday, the rail operator announced that free period care would be available on its trains through the Package for a Friend scheme, which coincides with Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Critics have accused the company of being "extremely offensive" to women by failing to acknowledge that those requiring period products will be women.

An Avanti West Coast train

Avanti has been slammed for the scheme

PA

The scheme allows "customers" to request pads from staff in the onboard shop.

Alternatively, travellers can place an order on the company's click and collect service to discreetly pick up goods from a member of staff without having to ask.

The initiative was developed following suggestions from employees, including those involved in the operator's Gender Network, to "help customers when in need".

Kathryn O'Brien, the customer experience director at Avanti West Coast, said: "We want everyone to have a comfortable journey when travelling with us, and know the importance of making essential items available on board our trains to enable this."

She added: "So we're pleased to now be offering free period care, and hope our customers will feel reassured they can access them when they need during their journey."

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Mary Howden, of the Women's Rights Network, told The Telegraph: "While it is commendable that Avanti West Coast is offering its customers period products, it is disappointing that it fails to acknowledge that those customers will all be women."

She said: "The erosion of language that relates only to women is not inclusive. It is clumsy and often unclear, and many women find it extremely offensive."

It is understood that Avanti West Coast used the term "customers" to make sure travellers know that the free period products are available to all.

An Avanti spokesman declined to comment when approached by GB News about the criticism of the tampon scheme's language.

The controversy comes after the company was previously accused of "virtue-signalling nonsense" for repainting one of its trains in diversity-themed livery.

The train was painted in bold artwork celebrating the diversity of its workforce and the communities it serves.

However, the move sparked a backlash as Gareth Bacon, the shadow transport secretary, claimed passengers deserved "better than this farce".

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