Hello everyone. We hope this bulletin finds you well – hopefully you’ve been able to enjoy a few days of sunshine.
King’s Speech
It was encouraging to see public transport feature so prominently in the King’s Speech, with three bills to progress rail reform and one to improve bus services. This reflects the vital role transport plays in creating a more equitable, greener future, and tackling the climate crisis. As part of the government’s commitment to move at pace, the Passenger Railway Services Bill has already passed its first reading, with the second reading likely to occur before the summer recess. We will continue to work closely with the new administration to ensure the voice of community rail is heard and will keep members informed.
Member vote regarding charitable status
At our 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), being held online on Tuesday 5 November, 2-3.30pm, there will be a vote regarding Community Rail Network’s proposal to pursue charitable status. There are several advantages of our organisation becoming a charity, including those outlined in this briefing sheet. We’re asking as many of our members as possible to save the date and attend our AGM, to cast your vote on this important matter.
Railway 200 information session
Join us on Monday 5 August, 2-3.30pm, where project manager Emma Robertson will share the latest developments on the national Railway 200 campaign. There will also be time for you to share your plans and activity ideas and have your questions answered. Join the session here.
Safeguarding on transport course
A reminder that members can access the Railway Children Charity’s ‘safeguarding on transport’ course for free. The course, which takes approximately 45 minutes, provides an understanding of the issue for those working on or connected to the transport network, and the tools and confidence to identify vulnerability and take appropriate action. To request access, submit your details here.
Getting involved in your Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
Members are invited to our online session on Thursday 26 September, 11am-12pm, to hear from Sustrans and Active Travel England on how community rail partnerships and station groups can get involved in your Local Cycle and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP), feeding into the consultation process, and being involved longer-term. 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 7 August. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Southeastern launches fund to support community projects
- Have your say on potential tram routes between Leeds and Bradford
- Do you have an LGBTQIA+ connection with the railways? Share your story here
- Latest figures from Office of Rail and Road released
- Mosaic celebrating local area unveiled at Ware Station
- Students capture changing seasons of the Secret Garden at Avonmouth Station
- Mid Cheshire CRP launches annual summer photography competition
- Popular summer bus service linking station with seaside is saved
- Scout groups in Northern network work towards ‘Platforms for Change’ badge
- Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Gainsborough Line
- Yorkshire Coast CRP volunteer recognised for championing sustainable travel
