A year-long celebration called Railway 200 celebrates the past, present and future of rail.
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on 27 September 1825, connecting places, people, communities and ideas and ultimately transforming the world.
Railway 200 is a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail.
A wide variety of activities and events are being planned to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future.
The spirit of invention and innovation of rail’s early pioneers lives on, as today’s railway becomes simpler and better for all, rising to new challenges in a changing world. Rail has transformed how life is lived here and abroad: crossing continents, connecting cities and communities, and improving the lives and livelihoods of billions.
Railway 200 aims to excite interest from the next generation by inviting young people of all backgrounds to consider a career in rail.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Since the first passenger train entered service almost two hundred years ago, our railways have become integral to millions of lives, bringing communities closer together, opening up new opportunities for business and driving economic growth across the country.
“Railway 200 presents an exciting opportunity to unite the wider public in recognition of our rail network and the brilliant people who keep it running. I hope this year-long series of events and celebration encourages the next generation to consider a career in rail.”
A touring exhibition train, named ‘Inspiration’, will criss-cross Britain, creating a buzz at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight depots. The train is being developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum, part of the Science Museum Group.
More details at https://railway200.co.uk/
