Community groups and organisations across Britain are championing ‘journeys for all’ through a week-long campaign showcasing locally led projects to improve rail accessibility and connect communities.
The campaign comes at a pivotal time for Britain’s railways and transport networks, with a major programme of reform underway setting up ‘Great British Railways’, bus devolution across many city regions and nations, and a new ‘Better Connected’* strategy recently launched by Government.

Community Rail Week 2026 (1 – 7 June), coordinated by Community Rail Network, is shining a light on the inspiring initiatives run through the grassroots ‘community rail’ movement. Community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups work with train operators, councils, charities and local organisations to engage and empower young people, families and marginalised groups, make stations more welcoming, promote and enable sustainable journeys, and support wellbeing and social inclusion.

This year’s theme, ‘Journeys for All’, focuses on breaking down barriers so more people can travel with confidence, access jobs and education, and feel connected to their communities. Research from the National Centre for Accessible Transport shows that 92% of disabled people face barriers when using public transport, with disabled people making 38% fewer journeys than non-disabled people. But transport exclusion goes far beyond disability: young people are increasingly being held back by limited transport choices, restricting access to education, employment and social opportunities. Across England, 11.1 million people are at high risk of social exclusion due to poor access to transport, a major driver of poverty, poor health and isolation; and around 5 million people across the UK are pushed into poverty due to transport costs, with the expense of running a car placing particular pressure on low-income households.

During the week, community rail partnerships and volunteers will run hundreds of events across Britain, helping people feel more confident using rail, and improving access to opportunity and social connectedness.
These include a launch event at Oxford station, featuring an accessible canal-side walk. There is also a separate celebration of the Friends of Hindley Station and Thrive, whose members, many with additional needs, grow produce at the station for use in their café.

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.”
For more information about Community Rail Week 2026 and events taking place across Britain, visit communityrail.org.uk