How Communities Can Affect Their Local Railway

National improvements start at the local level - especially when it comes to railways. Improving a local station not only benefits a town or city but also strengthens connections across the country.

Grassroots movements often collaborate with experts, authorities, and transport organisations to ensure the improvements benefit everyone. Here are five ways that communities can impact their local railway, creating broader regional change.

1. Generating a sense of ownership

When communities participate in decision-making, they reap the rewards of their efforts.

Take Kilmarnock Railway Station, for example. Once in decline, the station was transformed when the local community took action. Today, it serves as a social hub and gateway into this historic Scottish town. It now houses counselling services, a cafe and more.

The rail industry focuses on efficiency and reliability, but the community of activists bring art, beauty, and social connections into the equation. These voices give residents a sense of ownership over their surroundings.

Even young people can drive change. For example, young volunteers transformed the Ellesmere Port railway station, earning it a 'Youth Challenge Award' in 2012 and turning it into one of the UK’s best-kept stations.

2. Fostering pride

Railway stations can play a crucial role in fostering “placefulness”. This is the pleasurable sense of living in the moment and appreciating your surroundings. When communities improve transport hubs, they create a more welcoming and attractive space for residents and visitors alike.

Stations can also serve as cultural landmarks. Paddington Station, for instance, features grand arches and a Paddington Bear statue, warmly welcoming visitors. Paddington Station is not a faceless transport hub, instead, it reflects the values and history of the area. Londoners feel great pride in their stations.

By enhancing stations, communities can extend this sense of belonging and identity to towns and cities across the UK.

3. Creating jobs and growth

The British rail network supports around 600,000 jobs, many of which exist beyond the typical train driver and ticket inspector roles. Community rail initiatives transform stations, creating opportunities for shops, cafes, and entertainment.

These ventures generate employment and boost local economics. Research shows that for every £1 spent on improving rail connections, the wider economy generates £2.50.

Consider Luton Railway Station. Since 2022, campaigns to improve its facilities have gained traction, recognising that a well-maintained station can attract more visitors, increase spending, and stimulate growth.

4. Cleaning the air

Currently, 40 UK towns and cities exceed air pollution limits set out by the World Health Organisation.

Car dependency plays a significant role in this issue, with long-term exposure leading to dangerous heart and lung conditions. Strengthening rail networks offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative.

Cities like Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge have pedestrianised their city centres, encouraging greater reliance on rail transport. This shift reduces congestion and helps lower the region’s carbon emissions.

5. Building inclusive and diverse communities

Some aspects of community rail are harder to quantify, but they matter just as much. Community rail makes the country as a whole more accessible. Without good public transport, communities remain isolated from each other.

Many adults in the UK do not drive, whether by choice or necessity. Investing in better rail infrastructure ensures that everyone has the opportunity to travel, explore and stay connected.

How to get involved in Community Rail

Feeling inspired to take action? You can help bring the benefits of community rail to your area by joining a local community rail network. Here’s how:

1. Find a community railway in your area

Most railway communities have an online presence. The Community Rail Network supports 75 community rail partnerships across 1,300 stations, making it easy to find a nearby initiative. They’ll help you sign up and make the most of your membership.

2. Learn about membership requirements

Each community has its own set of criteria for joining. Many require a membership fee, which typically ranges from £40 to £80 per year, depending on the group’s funding status.

Joining a community rail group gives you access to a wealth of resources and events. These events are designed to empower volunteers to make meaningful improvements to their local railway station.

Membership also connects you to a wider network, giving you access to experts and fellow volunteers.

3. Research what the community expects from you

Volunteers bring a wide range of skills to community rail initiatives. There are many ways to get involved, such as:

• Painting murals (such as the Artline in Fife)
• Planting trees (such as the Petersfield Tree Trail)
• Running cafes (such as the volunteer-run cafe at Llandovery Station)
• Attending council meetings
• Running social events
• Making charitable donations

Join the Avanti community

At Avanti, we believe community comes first. We’re committed to supporting efforts that improve rail services and create welcoming spaces for everyone.

Explore our Avanti Community Hub, for information on our initiatives and how to get involved. If you’d like to learn more about how we operate, we have plenty of useful resources. You can discover how we fund community projects or read about how we champion local people and places.