The Kent Community Rail Partnership exists to bring together widely varied partners in order to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities served by rural and secondary rail services. This is achieved by improving community links with rail operators and initiating projects that make rail services more attractive to residents and visitors alike. Generally speaking the partnerships exist on lines unlikely to attract major investment from the rail industry, but the success of the partnerships often leads to greater resources being deployed by the rail companies and others.
For more information about Community Rail partnerships in Kent contact Nigel Whitburn on 01303 813790 or email nigel.whitburn@ruralkent.org.uk
SwaleRail is the Sittingbourne to Sheerness branch line. For more information about SwaleRail and to download copies of all newsletters published to date, go to the Swalerail page.
The Medway Valley line that runs between Paddock Wood and Strood via Maidstone West. For more information go to the Medway Valley Line page. Copies of all Medway Valley Line newsletters may also be downloaded.
A line guide covering both SwaleRail and the Medway Valley Line has been published and is available at many manned stations in Kent as well as from Tourist Information Offices and other outlets. To download a pdf copy of the guide please click here.
Train services on both SwaleRail and the Medway Valley line are operated by Southeastern Railway Ltd, part of the Govia consortium. Click on Southeastern's logo to go to their website for timetables and the latest train information.
Whether it is historic castles, holiday beaches, beautiful countryside, industrial archaeology, wonderful gardens, cultural events or country walks, there is something for everyone in Kent and Medway. To find out more about all these attractions and for details of accommodation, click onto the "Visit Kent" logo below.
Sussex has also established a Community Rail Partnership and is taking the lead on the following routes which serve some Kent communities. Both of these lines are operated by "Southern Railway".
This line has three stations in Kent - Cowden, Hever and Edenbridge Town. The Development Officer is Sam Bryant who can be contacted at; Eridge Station, Eridge Green, East Sussex TN3 9LE
email: sam@sussexcrp.org
This line runs between Ashford & Hastings. The Development Officer post is also covered by Sam Bryant. Rye Station, Station Approach, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7AB email: sam@sussexcrp.org
To find out more about these lines and the Sussex Community Rail Partnership, click on the Sussex CRP logo below.
For more information submit an enquiry, or request an information pack.
More information about Community Rail Partnerships in the UK as well as Stattion Adoption schemes can also be obtained from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP). Click here to connect to their website.