A major milestone for regional rail connectivity was celebrated this week as the Marshlink line marked its 175th anniversary with a special on‑board gathering between Hastings and Ashford International.
The event, held on Friday 13 February, brought together community representatives, station volunteers, local dignitaries, and rail enthusiasts aboard a Southern Railway Marshlink service. The mayors of Hastings, Rye and Ashford joined the celebration, while the Deputy Mayor of Winchelsea greeted the commemorative train from the platform.
Organised by the Marshlink Community Rail Partnership, the occasion marks precisely 175 years since the first train travelled the route on 13 February 1851.
Hastings mayor Cllr Becca Horn welcomed passengers with an on‑board announcement, reinforcing the line’s modern-day value:
“Train travel is so important as a sustainable form of transport and the Marshlink line connects a service from Hastings through Rye and the villages towards Ashford International.
“It’s such an important service that we have, it’s a fast route towards London and connecting the whole of the South East. I’m really grateful that we’ve got this service, celebrating 175 years. Let’s hope for at least another 175 to come.”
📈 Passenger Growth Strengthens the Line’s Future
Despite being earmarked for closure in the 1963 Beeching Report, the Marshlink route survived thanks to strong community opposition and the impracticality of the proposed replacement bus service.
Latest Office of Rail and Road data shows significant recovery:
- 7.8% increase in estimated station usage between April 2024–March 2025
- Overall usage is now 93.4% of pre‑Covid levels
- Growth recorded across all nine stations between Hastings and Ashford International
Southern Railway’s Customer Service Director Jenny Saunders highlighted the line’s rising demand and tourism impact:
“The enduring Marshlink line is a vital connection for people visiting, living and working in this unique area of the country and we’re proud to serve the community here.
“Passenger numbers are continuing to grow and we’re seeing tourists return in their droves post-Covid, especially to the idyllic town of Rye. This summer is all set to be a busy one as we celebrate the line’s 175th year.”
The celebration was funded through a Southern Railway grant, issued as part of the national recognition of 200 years of the modern railway.
🤝 A Connection That Holds the Region Together
The Marshlink line forms part of the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP), encompassing ten community rail routes across the region. Leaders emphasised the essential nature of the service:
Ashford mayor Cllr Lyn Suddards said:
“This railway is particularly important for Ashford and surrounding villages because it does form a connection that is otherwise missing.”
Rye mayor Cllr Andy Stuart added:
“The Marshlink line continues this amazing piece of utility for the whole community. It’s the glue that holds the coast together and allows people to move backwards and forwards relatively quickly and at convenient times.”
From a tourism perspective, Sarah Broadbent, chair of 1066 Country, highlighted its role in the regional economy:
“In terms of the liveability of a place, its connectivity is vital both for our residents and also for our visitor economy and this part of the country. 1066 Country relies on its visitor economy so it’s terrific that we are championing links to essentially the rest of the country.”
Marshlink CRP chair Kevin Boorman summed up the day:
“It’s been a really good day on the Marshlink. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported us: stakeholders, mayors, members of the public.”
Image credit: GTR
