A message from Department for Transport to those in and working with community rail:

“Throughout the pandemic, Train Operating Companies (TOCs) have had to make difficult decisions to reduce the number of advertised services to prevent greater disruption to passengers caused by late notice cancellations.  

In recent weeks, the situation has been particularly challenging. We understand the frustration of community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups across the country.  

We are asking TOCs to maintain regular engagement with their community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups to keep them up to date with matters relating to the provision of train services in their areas, providing as much notice as possible when plans need to change. We are requesting that community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups are given the opportunity to contribute to the decision making process where possible.

We also ask that the community rail movement continues to take a positive and constructive approach to these situations, recognising the complexity and difficulty of decisions TOCs are having to make at pace.”