06.11.17
Community Rail partnerships could be expanded following government consultation
The DfT has opened a consultation on expanding the Community Rail initiative with increased funding across the country.
Community Rail partnerships have been set up in around 60 stations since the project began in 1993, with £3m investment provided by the government.
DfT bosses believe the project has brought a sense of community to some areas while others, such as Burnley’s Manchester Road station, have seen increases of up to 100,000 passengers in the last year.
An estimated 3,200 volunteers give 250,000 hours of their time every year to partnerships across the network.
“We have seen nearly a quarter of a century of communities pulling together to breathe new life into railway lines and stations - and we want to build on that success,” commented rail minister Paul Maynard.
“We want to give the volunteers the support they deserve, spread their success and encourage new partnerships to be created and flourish.
“This forms a key part of the investment the government is making in the railways – the biggest since the Victorian era, delivering new carriages, new routes, track upgrades and better stations.”
Those interested in commenting on the new rail strategy can view the consultation here.
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