Community Rail Network

Who we are

What is community rail?

Community rail is a growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships and groups across Britain. They engage communities and help people get the most from their railways, promoting social inclusion and sustainable travel, working alongside train operators to bring about improvements, and bringing stations back to life.

About Community Rail Network

Community Rail Network is a not‑for‑profit organisation supporting the growing community rail movement across Britain. We champion community rail’s unique role in promoting sustainable and inclusive travel, fostering volunteering and place‑making initiatives, and bringing people together through locally led rail and mobility projects.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based partnership organisations, 1,300 station friends volunteer groups, and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their work spans creative programmes with young people, advising train operators on service improvements, building travel confidence with families and disabled people, delivering biodiversity and station enhancement projects, and promoting greener, more accessible travel and tourism by rail.

We are preparing to launch our new five‑year strategy, which will set an ambitious direction for the movement and our organisation, strengthening our impact and broadening our reach. Alongside this, we are progressing our application to become a registered charity, reflecting our commitment to public benefit and long‑term sustainability.

Our team of 23 is based across Britain, working mainly from home but coming together regularly both online and in person. We work collaboratively to support and empower our members by providing guidance, training, events, resources, and campaigns, while also advocating for community rail and sharing its insights with decision‑makers and the media. As we grow, we remain committed to maintaining a clear organisational identity – one that adds value, amplifies the movement, and upholds our mission – while ensuring our members remain at the heart of everything we do.

We believe in nurturing talent, supporting professional development, and enabling everyone in our team to reach their potential while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.