Community Railways

Community Rail Partnerships can achieve an additional 7% growth in use of railway lines in three years, over and above what would have happened without the existence of an active Community Rail Partnership. This additional rail use leads to new passenger revenues and a reduction in road use (at 26% of the increase in rail passenger km). The benefits for congested road corridors are particularly important.

Community Rail Partnerships can add value in regeneration areas, over and above the benefits of the local rail network. There are economic benefits of locating Partnership offices in regeneration areas. In tourism areas, additional rail use (associated with Community Rail Partnerships) and bringing new people into these areas also boosts local tourism employment. Community Rail Partnerships can also help attract new investment. Investment in station regeneration can help with making the most of their landmark roles; these buildings often are prominent gateways to the towns and local communities. Investing in onward transport links from stations, facilitated by Community Rail Partnerships can also contribute to better access to jobs and training, a beneficial element of regeneration.

Community Rail Partnerships can also bring benefits to tourism, Britain’s fifth largest industry, worth £85 billion per year. Encouraging rail use for leisure links with sustainable tourism in particular. Sustainable tourism is of growing importance, responding to market demand and the need for more sustainable development. At present around 10% of visitors actively seek green options such as sustainable access, and a further 55-65% of visitors respond well when they come across such options.

Community Rail Partnerships also bring social benefits. Local rail is important in enabling access to work, education and training. Also by encouraging reduced car use they can also play a key role in achieving environmental benefits from more sustainable and less polluting behaviour.

So all in all Community Rail Partnerships can deliver value for money and can help achieve an increase in rail use and a shift from car to rail. They also encourage and contribute to innovation such as setting up ticket carnet schemes, which benefit low paid regular but not daily commuters and also working with local schools and education specialists to look at the most effective ways of linking local rail with the national curriculum.

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