Communities in East Suffolk and the Tyne Valley could soon have more say over local rail services, under new Government proposals.
Plans put out to consultation today could see routes around Ipswich, Felixstowe, Lowestoft, Newcastle, Hexham and Carlisle designated as community rail services.
While train companies would continue to run the services, a Community Rail Partnership – made up of councils, community groups and volunteers – would given a say over how they should be managed.
Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: ‘We are committed to putting passengers at the heart of the rail network.
‘By designating these services as community rail services, we will breathe new life into the local rail network and, by providing services that people want to use, will safeguard their future and help secure long-term growth in the local economies.’
It is thought community run rail services will increase passenger numbers, improve connectivity between destinations and help boost the local economy.
The six-week consultation will run until Friday 5 September.
