Celebrating rail's 200th anniversary!

Dear Supporter

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

Yes, 200 years ago, the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened - the first public railway with steam-hauled trains for fare-paying passengers.

Today, we celebrate rail's incredible 200-year history, its early pioneers and all the people who make it great, right up to the present day. Find out more about Railway 200 and join in the celebrations!

Amazingly, Campaign for Better Transport has been involved with rail for more than 50 of those years.

We were formed in 1973 under our original name, Transport 2000, to campaign against plans to halve the British Rail Network from 11,000 route miles to 5,000.

Happily, we helped to see off this devastating threat, and we have been campaigning ever since for investment in rail, for the network to be expanded and journeys improved.

As we look to rail's past, of course, we must also fight for its future. As the Government reforms the way the railways are run, Campaign for Better Transport is speaking up for passengers and the environment. We will work to make sure the Government's reforms make fares more affordable and end the plague of delays and cancellations. We need new and reopened rail lines, and for more lines to be electrified. If you agree, please consider making a donation to support our work.

Rail is more than a mode of transport – it has shaped how society and the economy has evolved by kickstarting the modern transport era, and it still embodies ingenuity and progress, carrying hope for a sustainable, connected future.

Here's to rail's incredible 200 year legacy, and here's to the future it can help to build!

Ben

Ben Plowden
Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport