Campaign for Better Transport is 50 today!

Today's the day !

Today, Campaign for Better Transport celebrates its 50th anniversary!

Yes, on 6 February 1973, a new organisation was founded to campaign against shocking plans to shrink the British Rail Network by half. 

Then called Transport 2000, the organisation soon expanded its remit to fight horrendous road building plans, including three 'ringways' in London which would have devastated the capital. There were similar plans in other cities too, including plans to demolish much of York's historic centre. Thankfully, both these schemes were eventually scrapped.

For 50 years, this organisation - which changed its name to Campaign for Better Transport in 2007 - has been campaigning for better, greener, fairer transport; transport which doesn't ruin our environment or leave people behind, but connects us in ways that are affordable and sustainable.

For more on our charity's history, you can read my blog which also highlights why we've still got lots of work to do!

I am proud today to be celebrating Campaign for Better Transport's history of successful campaigning, from seeing off those plans to close half the rail network to winning a long-overdue national strategy for buses. And - together with the team here - I'm looking to the future too. It's plain there's still a lot of work to be done, so we won't be resting on our laurels. With lots of campaigning activities planned for this year we're hoping this is just the start of the next 50 years.

It only remains for me to thank you. Our wonderful supporters, who join in our campaigns, lobby their MPs, spread the word, make donations, and choose to travel sustainably when they can, are what give Campaign for Better Transport real power to change things for the better. I hope you will join me in raising a glass to the next 50 years!

Warmest wishes

Paul

Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport