Sustrans' Kent Community Rail Partnership wins 'Outstanding Contribution' award

A decade of partnership and impact

Since 2014, Kent CRP has been hosted by Sustrans, with the core mission of promoting local rail lines for the social, economic, and environmental benefit of both residents and visitors.

By working with the communities these rail lines serve, the partnership has played a vital role in making rail travel more accessible and inclusive.

Project Officers Gary, Therese, and Vicky manage three key rail lines: the Medway Valley Line, the Kent Downs Line, and the Swale Rail Line, encompassing 31 stations.

For the community, by the community

Kent CRP operates as a community-led initiative, working with local authorities, Network Rail, and local volunteers to make sure it works for everyone.

The partnership supports 20 'station adopter' groups, with around 120 volunteers giving an impressive 2,000 - 3,000 hours of their time every year.

A recent report published by CRN estimates that community rail initiatives generate a social return of £17.89 for every £1 invested, highlighting the invaluable role played by Kent CRP.

Making travel simple, easy and accessible

An important part of the work by Kent CRP is making sure that travelling by train as part of a journey that includes walking, wheeling and cycling is simple. This means people can get from where they are to where they need to be with ease.

Through initiatives aimed at overcoming barriers to travel, the partnership has helped to make train travel a realistic and accessible option for more people.

Kent CRP’s activities include:

• Travel training for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• Securing funding for station improvements
• Leading guided walks and cycle rides from train stations
• Hosting pop-up rail safety events
• Promoting history and heritage
• Supporting station adopters in running their own events

Award-winning projects

• ‘Paws on the Platform’ in collaboration with Guide Dogs Maidstone, which brought together individuals with visual impairments to discuss their experiences, and to find solutions to challenges accessing rail travel.
• The adoption of Snodland Station by students with additional needs from Five Acre Wood Special School, improving the station with biodiversity projects, gardening, and artwork.
• Transforming Hollingbourne Station into a thriving community hub, winning third place in ‘Most Enhanced Railway Spaces’ at last year’s awards; 
• Improved signposting and cycling access at Medway and Kent Downs Line stations to support onward travel.  
• Additionally, Kent CRP’s Sustrans Officer, Therese, was invited to Parliament for the launch of Southeastern’s Social Mobility Strategy, recognising the team’s work in creating opportunities for students at Sheppey and Ashford Colleges.

A collective effort

The award, which was presented to the team at the annual CRN award ceremony in Newcastle in March is a huge accolade for both the current team as well as past staff and volunteers who have put so much energy, enthusiasm and hard work into the community.  

Paul Webster, Regional Support Manager of Community Rail Network, said, "Kent CRP have consistently delivered high quality (and award winning) projects over many years which exemplify what community rail is all about. Well deserved, and I’m proud to have been able to see and to be involved in the great work you have done!" 

Matt Fraser, Community Relations Manager at Southeastern, also acknowledged the partnership’s impact: “Railways bring people together and it has been a privilege to work with Sustrans as they deliver a partnership which does this so effectively."