GBR Anglia has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable, accessible rail by supporting Better Transport Week 2026, the national campaign promoting public transport, active travel and shared mobility across the UK.
Running from Monday 15 June to Sunday 21 June, the campaign showcases how integrated transport systems connect people to work, education, healthcare, leisure and local services—an ambition closely aligned with the region’s rail strategy.
A decade of progress across Anglia
Across the Anglia network, sustained investment over the past decade has significantly improved passenger experience, access and sustainability. Since 2017, five new stations have been delivered, supporting housing growth and regional connectivity:
- Cambridge North
- Meridian Water
- Soham
- Barking Riverside
- Beaulieu Park
The next milestone is imminent, with Cambridge South station set to open on Sunday 28 June, further strengthening links into one of the UK’s most important science and healthcare clusters.
Cambridge South: sustainability at its core
Designed with environmental performance in mind, Cambridge South station incorporates around 400 solar panels installed across the roof and platform canopies. The scheme is also expected to significantly improve access to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and surrounding communities, reducing reliance on private car travel.
One railway, aligned delivery
The progress achieved reflects a wider structural shift within the region. c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia now operate under a single GBR Anglia leadership team, bringing infrastructure and operations closer together.
This integrated approach is intended to:
- Strengthen day-to-day operational coordination
- Improve service planning
- Align decision-making across track and train
Ultimately, the goal is to deliver a more reliable, seamless and sustainable railway for passengers.
Enhancing accessibility and first/last mile connectivity
As well as major capital projects, targeted improvements across the network are helping make journeys easier to complete without a car. These include:
- Expanded cycle parking provision at stations
- Better visibility of onward travel options, including local bus links and walking routes
These enhancements support modal shift and align with national decarbonisation goals, reinforcing rail’s role as a low-carbon transport backbone.
Industry leadership perspective
Rob Mullen, GBR Anglia’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, said:
“We are very pleased to support Better Transport Week, which celebrates the role public transport plays in connecting people and places.
“Cambridge South is the latest milestone in a decade of investment across the region. As c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia come together as GBR Anglia, we are focused on making rail travel easier, more accessible and more sustainable as we move towards Great British Railways.”
Rail’s role in decarbonisation
Rail continues to be one of the most environmentally sustainable transport modes, producing significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger kilometre than cars. By offering a viable alternative to road travel, it also plays a critical role in reducing congestion and supporting cleaner air in urban centres.
Image credits: Network Rail
