Railway 200 has begun!

Happy New Year, Supporter

And what a year it is! 2025 marks 200 years of passenger rail services, which – if you're as much a fan of rail travel as we are here at Campaign for Better Transport – makes it a very special year indeed!

So, we're thrilled to be supporting Railway 200 – a year long celebration which will be a chance to reflect on how far we've come and to dream big about what's next for rail.

Back in 1825, the Stockton and Darlington Railway changed the world. From these early passenger steam trains – and the horse drawn ones which preceded them – the sector has continued to shape and develop, transforming how we live and move, not just here in Britain, but across the world.  

But Railway 200 isn't just about looking back. It's about looking to the future and dreaming big. At its heart is a simple but powerful idea that rail has the potential to do even more for us all. With a number of existential threats facing us, the railway remains a key part of the solution. It's cleaner, more efficient, and better for our towns, cities and countryside. Investing in rail means investing in a greener future – one where people have more access to loved ones, better opportunities and can travel with confidence.  

Starting this month, train enthusiasts and the industry will come together to celebrate with events and activities, from heritage railways showcasing their vintage trains, to sector debates on the future of the industry.  

At Campaign for Better Transport, we are proud to play our part in this celebration. We're bringing Railway 200 into our third Better Transport Week, as well as flying the flag for rail throughout the year in partnership with operators, trade bodies, manufacturers, freight organisations and local authorities. Expect collaborations, campaigns, and celebrations that bring together the people and organisations shaping rail's next chapter.

Railway 200 is also about you, and so you'll see events throughout the year for our supporters. Whether you're a lifelong rail enthusiast, someone who supports greener and better connected communities, or just the person who loves the sound of a train pulling into a station, we'll be celebrating your role in championing this vital mode of transport.

We're looking forward to celebrating with you!

Brogan

Brogan McPherson, Head of Partnerships
Campaign for Better Transport