What is a community rail partnership, a railway development company or a station friends group?
Community Rail Partnerships These are not-for-dividend organisations whose members may include local authorities, community groups, rail user groups, TOCs and sometimes Network Rail. Some include other bodies such as national park authorities, town or parish councils and businesses. They are established by mutual agreement and are typically staffed by a paid officer supported by a committee of stakeholders. They are funded by the partners who will then typically seek additional funding to support their activities. Partnerships may exist on lines which are not designated as Community Rail lines. Network Rail will work with these partnerships – but may not be able to implement cost reduction measures that could be possible on designated lines. Railway Development Companies Two of these have been established, one for the Settle & Carlisle Line (set up over ten years ago) and the second now established for the Esk Valley Line. Others are in development. They have more extensive responsibil
