Hello everyone. We hope this newsletter finds you all well and feeling the benefits of these slightly lighter evenings – spring is on its way!
Draft Rail Reform Bill
The DfT has set out its vision for the future of Britain’s railways via the publication of a draft Rail Reform Bill. We welcome the draft bill, which we hope represents the start of a new era for rail, with it playing a more central role in our communities and helping us to create a sustainable transport future. Read our summary and response here.
The George Bradshaw Address
The 2024 George Bradshaw Address took place on Tuesday. With an election due within the next year, the event took a different format, providing the main political parties with an opportunity to set out their vision for the future of the railway, followed by a Q&A. Read more here.
Profile-raising
We had a productive meeting with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin last week and discussed several opportunities relevant to community rail. We will be having quarterly meetings moving forward so we can update the Mayor and her team on community rail insights in a timely manner – a model we would like to replicate in other areas.
Small Grants Fund
We still have money available in our Small Grants Fund, which is available to all members in England for grants of up to £2.5k. We’re keen to award the remaining funds before the financial year ends, so CRPs and station groups are encouraged to submit your applications. As always, our support and development team are on hand to support with your application. More details here.
Webinar on Bus Service Improvement Plans
Don’t forget to join Bus Users UK at tomorrow’s webinar, 11am-12pm, to hear about how CRPs and station groups can feed into updated Bus Service Improvement Plans and influence improvements in your localities. Members only. To register, contact g.shipp@communityrail.org.uk.
Station gardening session
If you’re interested in creating and maintaining planters at your station that utilise limited resources and benefit wildlife all year round, join our next session with Garden Organic on Monday 11 March, 6.30-8:30pm. Members only. Book your place.
If you have any news stories, please email our communications team on news@communityrail.org.uk. See here for guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 6 March. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Network Rail seeking community rail collaboration on CP7 charitable theme
- Join panel event on transport poverty and action required to alleviate its effects
- Facilitating integrated public transport: join TravelWatch NorthWest Conference
- Local wildlife celebrated in Keynsham Station mural
- CRL supports aspiring journalist with Preston Station history project
- Northwich Station welcomes group of enthusiastic volunteers
- Full timetable restored to Marston Vale Line and celebrated with £1 ticket offer
- Striking artwork transforms pedestrian approach to Matlock Station
- New tools for Queenborough Station Adopters thanks to council support
- British Railways totem returned to Handforth Station after 40 years
Find out more about Community Rail Network’s corporate partnership with Siemens here.
