The rail service on the Medway Valley Line between Paddock Wood to Strood, has been designated as a community rail service, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced today.
The designated service allows for a more flexible approach to be adopted by the train operating company (Southeastern) working alongside the local community rail partnership. This enables them to manage the service with greater emphasis on meeting local needs. Together they will continue to look for ways to increase patronage and improve the service.
Transport Minister Tom Harris said:
"I am delighted to make this announcement on the day that the 2007 Community Rail Awards are being held to celebrate outstanding achievement in community rail development.
"Designation of the Medway Valley Line service as a Community Rail service is good news. It means that local communities can become more involved in how these services run and ultimately encourage more passengers to use them."
Charles Horton, Managing Director Southeastern said:
"This is good news for both passengers and Southeastern. Community Rail. Partnerships have the potential to increase passenger numbers, attract external investment and put the railway at the heart of the community it serves."
Cllr Mike Fitzgerald, Chairman of the Kent Community Rail Partnership said:
"The Medway Valley Line Partnership which has the support of the Local Authorities and Parish Councils along the line welcomes the designation and sees this as the beginning of a new era. Much has already been achieved leading up to this recognition but there is much more the partnership can now do to meet the aspirations of both the local people and the service providers Southeastern. Community Rail Officers like Nigel Whitburn are key to the sustainability of partnerships that by their very nature cross so many boundaries."