Community Rail News - 30 September 2026

Community Rail News – 30 September 2026

October 1, 2026

Hello everyone.

This week brought some valuable opportunities to highlight the role community rail can play in creating more connected, integrated and community-focused transport networks.

On Tuesday, Bill joined the Mini Switzerland event at the Scottish Parliament, which Community Rail Network was pleased to support, organised by Simon Hinsley from Highland Mainline CRP and sponsored by Ariane Burgess MSP.

Drawing on the Hope Valley project in Derbyshire, itself inspired by a Swiss approach to integrated transport, the event explored how a more joined-up rural transport system could work, with bus and rail services designed to connect seamlessly and respond to the needs of local communities. Discussions focused on how similar approaches could be developed in Scotland and what is needed to make integrated transport a reality in rural areas. Bringing together elected members, transport operators, Network Rail and government officials, the event highlighted the contribution community rail can make in convening partners, championing local priorities and helping to shape transport systems that work better for the communities they serve.

We also co-sponsored this year’s Sustainable Transport Alliance fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, where East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, Dr Scott Arthur MP, Alex Mayer MP and Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson explored the opportunities and challenges of greater devolution in transport. The discussion highlighted how local and regional decision-making can shape services around communities, including a greater role for CRPs. There was huge support for community rail in the room.

Finally, a last-minute reminder that entries for the Community Rail Awards close today, Wednesday. By the time you read this, nominations may have closed, but we’re excited to read all the brilliant entries and celebrate the people and projects that make community rail what it is. We look forward to seeing you when we announce the winners at our awards ceremony in Leeds on Thursday 4 March 2027.

Best wishes
Bill and Jeremy

Share your stories for White Ribbon Day

Ahead of White Ribbon Day on 25 November, we’re looking for stories from across community rail that support the safety, inclusion and wellbeing of women and girls. Whether through projects, partnerships or awareness-raising activity, we’d love to showcase your work. Send your stories and initiatives to news@communityrail.org.uk.

Partnership with Visit Leeds

We’re delighted to have partnered with Visit Leeds on a special guest feature for our Scenic Rail Britain channels. In the blog, Visit Leeds shares its top recommendations for places that can be reached easily from Leeds, one of the UK’s best-connected rail hubs – from cosmopolitan culture to historic market towns and stunning Yorkshire landscapes. Read the featured article here.

On Track

Thank you to all those who joined our recent webinar to hear about the key learnings from the ‘On Track’ project. We hope you came away feeling inspired about how your community rail partnership or station group can make rail travel more accessible and inclusive for disabled people. Catch up on the webinar recording and resources here.

The following training, networking and development sessions are online and members only unless stated otherwise.

Integrated Sustainable Transport discussion group. Thursday 1 October, 10:30am-12pm. Hear more from Northern and Great Western Railway about their active travel work and integrated transport strategies. Open to all. Details here.
Volunteers, please! Growing your volunteer community. Monday 12 October, 2-4:30pm. This interactive session, aimed at station adoption groups, will explore why people volunteer, what gets in the way, and how to grow your volunteer community. Register here.
Community Rail Education Network. Wednesday 21 October, 10-11am. This session will be joined by a representative from the Railway Children charity. Details here.
From ideas to community impact: connections for station adoption groups. Monday 26 October, 2-3:30pm. This information and networking session, primarily aimed at station adopters, is perfect for those looking for sources of support and inspiration in relation to balancing regular activities with expanding your group’s reach, developing new ideas or finding funding. Register here.
Community Rail Tourism Network. Wednesday 28 October, 10-11:30am. Hear from Community Rail Lancashire about the Stations of Welcome initiative and the positive media publicity it has generated. Details here.

Your next bulletin is on 14 October. Keep up-to-date in between on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X. Send your stories to news@communityrail.org.uk.