Community Railways

We work with local communities to provide the rural and local railways that are so important to the communities they serve

What is a Community Railway?

Community Railway schemes are designed to involve local people in the development & running of local & rural routes, services and stations.

Network Rail works with local authorities, heritage railways, rail-user groups and over 60 community rail groups to provide the rural and local railways that are so important to the communities they serve. Together, we aim to increase passenger numbers and freight use and improve the revenue and efficiency of services.

Community Rail is a Government strategy supported by the rail industry. Network Rail believes that it is one of the tools that will help to provide a long-term future for our railways and is keen to work with stakeholders to implement the strategy.

In most respects, community railways are no different from the rest of the railway as they remain connected to the national rail network.

However, it offers the concept of a different category of local railway, separately specified, fit for purpose but with standards appropriate to its use. Importantly, it actively involves the wishes of local communities in the development of their railway.

Community Rail Designation
 
The Department for Transport has designated a number of routes as ‘Community Railways’. Designations are intended to clarify expectations and aspirations for the line.
 
Designation can be either ‘Line’ or ‘Service’; most are both for at least part of the route.  ‘Service’ is generally used where there is heavy freight use or the line is part of a ‘Trans European Network’ (TEN) route.
 
Line Designation identifies the line as:
  • primarily local in nature and is intended to take it outside the scope of EU conventional rail interoperability regulations;
  • one which is primarily low speed with light use on which it is appropriate to review maintenance practices and standards;
  • one carrying designated services.
Service Designation changes the approach to franchise management, with more freedom given to the train operator working with the local community rail partnership. Service designation would include relevant stations, i.e. stations that are exclusive to the designated service and generally local in character.  Lines and Services designated to date can be seen in Community Rail routes.