Southeast Communities Rail Partnership has held a celebration to mark the 175th anniversary of the railway line between Hastings and Ashford International.

Station volunteers, community representatives and rail enthusiasts joined the special gathering on board a Southern Railway train travelling between the two towns on Friday 13 February, marking exactly 175 years since the first train ran from Ashford to Hastings via Rye on 13 February 1851.

Among those on the train were the mayors of Hastings, Rye and Ashford. The deputy mayor of Winchelsea was on the platform at the station as the train travelled along the line.

Mayor of Hastings Cllr Becca Horn made an on-board announcement to welcome passengers on the special service and representatives from Kent CRP were ready and waiting at Ashford International to greet the train on its arrival.

Latest data on estimated station usage over the past year shows a rise at all nine stations from Hastings to Ashford International. According to the Office of Rail and Road, there was a 7.8% increase in estimated station usage between April 2024 and March 2025 compared with the year before, and overall station usage on the Marshlink Line is now at 93.4% of pre-Covid levels.

Kevin Boorman, chair of the Marshlink Line CRP, said: “It’s been a really good day on the Marshlink Line. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported us: stakeholders, mayors and members of the public.”

Jenny Saunders, Southern Railway’s customer service director, said: “The enduring Marshlink Line is a vital connection for people visiting, living and working in this unique area of the country and we’re proud to serve the community here.

“Passenger numbers are continuing to grow and we’re seeing tourists return in their droves post-Covid, especially to the idyllic town of Rye. This summer is all set to be a busy one as we celebrate the line’s 175th year.”

Learn more about Southern Railway’s work in the community here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Southeast Communities Rail Partnership via their website.