Community Rail Week 2026 highlights

Community Rail Week 2026

From Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June 2026, community groups and organisations across Britain came together to champion ‘Journeys For All’, showcasing locally-led projects that improve rail accessibility and strengthen community connections.

Our sixth and biggest profile-raising campaign, sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, came at a pivotal time for Britain’s railways and transport networks, with major rail reform underway through the development of ‘Great British Railways’, alongside bus devolution across many city regions and nations, and the Government’s recently launched ‘Better Connected’ strategy.

During the week, community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups delivered more than 150 activities, events and promotions, helping more people travel with confidence, access jobs and education and feel connected to their communities. See the full activity list here.

Coinciding with Volunteers’ Week, the campaign also shone a spotlight on the thousands of volunteers and community rail teams who work year-round to tackle isolation, improve wellbeing, support sustainable travel and build stronger links between railways and their communities.

There was a real buzz on social media throughout the week as people went online to join in the celebrations. 62 member groups shared their work and engaged online audiences, and we were delighted to see our wider network of partners and supporters help raise awareness.

Messages of support were shared by 17 train operators, including Northern, Govia Thameslink Railway, c2c, South Western Railway and Great Western Railway; corporate partners TeamBA, SLC Property and Advance Consultancy; rail partners RSSB, Rail Forum, Network Rail and Jewish Rail Network; tourism organisations Good Journey, British Guild of Tourist Guides, CAMRA and Go Jauntly; and so many other partners across a range of sectors, all showing their support for the impacts community rail delivers.

Overall, the week raised the profile of community rail and highlighted its vital role in creating more inclusive, accessible journeys. It demonstrated how locally-led initiatives can open up opportunities, foster community pride and position community rail as an important part of a changing national transport landscape.

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed – your passion, creativity and commitment continue to make a lasting difference to communities and railways across Britain.

Click here to view the photo gallery of member highlights from the 2026 campaign.

Community Rail Network chief executive Jools Townsend said: “Across the community rail movement, we see the difference it makes when transport is truly accessible and inclusive. Too many people still feel excluded from the railways, facing barriers that limit access to work, education, and social opportunities, or even the ability to see friends and family. We now have a critical opportunity to change that. As rail reform accelerates, and with a stronger national and regional focus on integrated, sustainable transport, there is real momentum behind the idea of connectivity for everyone. Community rail shows what works in practice: listening to communities, drawing on lived experience, building travel confidence, and treating public transport as a public good. Community Rail Week shines a light on that work.”

Rail Delivery Group Director of Industry Operations Dan Mann, said: “Improving accessibility across the rail network is essential to making sure everyone can travel independently, confidently and safely. We are proud to support Community Rail Week and celebrate the inspiring work of community rail partnerships, station volunteers and local organisations who are helping to break down barriers and create journeys for all. As the railway continues to change, this year’s theme highlights the importance of building a more accessible, inclusive and sustainable railway that serves every community.”