Passengers on rural and regional rail services across the country are set to benefit from a £60,000 fund for Community Rail Partnerships, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced today.
The new Designated Community Rail Development Fund will help deliver improvements to make a real difference at local stations, such as more seats at stations, cycle parking and better information for passengers. It can also help fund awareness campaigns to encourage more people to use these lines. Rail Minister Tom Harris said: “This extra funding will support the small projects that can make a big difference to passengers using rural routes and will help Community Rail Partnerships provide services that really benefit their local community.” Community Rail Partnerships promote and develop the railway services for local people and will apply to Association of Community Rail Partnerships for the funding. A full list of the Community Rail Partnerships eligible for funding can be found below. All partnerships working on these lines can apply to the fund for a grant of up to £5,000 per route. Jerry Swift, Network Rail’s Account Director for Community Rail, said: “Network Rail has seen real improvements around the network as a result of the work of Community Rail Partnerships. We are delighted to be able to support this initiative and we are looking forward to seeing some innovative schemes that benefit rail users and local people. Delivering a railway that meets local needs is key to seeing the network develop.”

Weblink

15 May 2008
© Department for Transport (National)