Community Rail Partnerships
Community Rail Partnerships draw together train operators, Network Rail, local authorities and users to raise awareness of the railway in the local community, promote and market it more effectively, develop ideas and arrange funding for local improvements.
What are Community Rail Partnerships?
Partnerships can be established on rural lines, local lines in urban areas or local stations on main lines. The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the Community Rail Development Strategy. At the heart of the Strategy is the idea of a Community Rail Partnership (CRP) made up of the railway operator and local stakeholders focused on developing and promoting one or more lines and supported by Network Rail.
Community Rail Partnerships are supported and represented by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) and this small organisation receives most of its funding from the (DfT).
The Association of Community Rail Partnerships – ACoRP
What is ACoRP?
The Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) focus on practical initiatives which add up to a better more sustainable local railway. Improved station facilities, better train services and improved integration with other forms of transport are central to the work of ACoRP.
The Government’s Community Rail Development Strategy provides a framework for partnerships to improve the effectiveness of local railways in meeting social, environmental and economic benefits.
What do ACoRP do?
Amongst many other tasks, ACoRP:
-
works with decision-makers at a local, regional and national level to ensure that local rail’s important role is fully recognised
-
helps identify innovative solutions for local railways
-
shares examples of good practice
-
works with local stakeholders to develop new partnerships
Community Rail Partnerships are a bridge between the railway and local communities. Some partnerships have been instrumental in achieving spectacular increases in use of rail through innovative marketing, improved services and better station facilities.
Their work includes improving bus links to stations, developing walking and cycling routes, bringing station buildings back to life, art and education projects and organising special events which promote the railway and its relevance to the community.
Where are the Community Rail Partnerships?
There are Community Rail Partnerships across the National Rail network but most cover rural stations or railway lines.
More information
You can find more information about Community Rail Partnerships, you can contact the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) or the Department for Transport (DfT).
You are here:
Home- Community Rail partnership
