The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Community Rail Partnership, has received official re-accreditation from the Department for Transport, recognising the organisation’s high standards and the important role it plays in supporting communities along the iconic railway line.
The accreditation, administered on behalf of the Department for Transport by Community Rail Network, confirms the Settle Carlisle Community Rail Partnership (CRP) continues to operate to nationally recognised standards of governance, community engagement and financial accountability.
The announcement comes as the Settle–Carlisle line celebrates 150 years since the first passenger service on the railway, highlighting the continuing importance of the route to local communities, tourism and sustainable travel.
Community rail partnerships play a vital role in connecting people, places, and opportunities. The Settle Carlisle CRP continues to demonstrate how railways can sit at the heart of thriving and inclusive communities.
The Settle–Carlisle line is one of Britain’s most celebrated railways, and its anniversary year provides an opportunity to reflect on both its heritage and its future. Through the work of the CRP, the line is not simply a transport route, but a lifeline for communities, supporting tourism, access to employment and education, and greener travel choices.
Community rail partnerships work in line with the Department for Transport’s strategy to:
- Provide a voice for local communities
- Promote sustainable and healthy travel
- Bring people together and support inclusion
- Support social and economic development
Across Britain, community rail delivers a significant impact, engaging tens of thousands of people each year, supporting local economies and helping make rail more accessible and inclusive.
On the Settle–Carlisle line, this includes:
- Supporting accessible and inclusive travel initiatives
- Engaging with young people and schools
- Promoting car-free tourism across the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley
- Working with volunteers to enhance stations as welcoming community spaces
Pete Myers, Chair of Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said:
We are proud to announce that The Settle Carlisle CRP has officially received accreditation from the Department for Transport (DfT) for 2026-7.
This accreditation acts as a high-standard quality mark, confirming that the partnership successfully connects local communities with their railway and provides significant social and economic value.
In our 150th anniversary year, when we are celebrating our past, the re-accreditation of the Settle Carlisle CRP highlights and recognises our commitment to the future.
Settle Carlisle Railway Dev. Co. Operations Manager, Susie Smith said:
Our commercial operations, which include the onboard refreshment trolley service and cafe at Skipton support the work of the Community Rail projects, provide a welcome addition to our passengers’ journeys and employment for local people.
We work with local producers, to support local businesses to benefit the local economy.
Karen Morley-Chesworth, Community Rail Officer for the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said:
As we mark 150 years of passenger services on the Settle–Carlisle line, we are reminded that this railway has always been about more than transport, it is about connection.
Through our work as a Community Rail Partnership, we are helping ensure the line continues to serve everyone by supporting inclusive, sustainable travel and bringing communities together. Our mission is to make rail accessible, welcoming, and beneficial for all who live in and visit our area. This is made possible, thanks to the help of the volunteers.
We are very grateful Northern Trains, who run the service on the Settle Carlisle line, Community Rail Network and the other train operators, TransPennine Express, Avanti, LNER and CrossCountry who support and help fund our projects.
The Department for Transport accreditation also enables the partnership to apply for support through the Community Rail Development Fund, helping deliver future projects and initiatives across the route.
By working with partners including train operators, local authorities, community groups and volunteers, the Settle Carlisle CRP is helping shape a more inclusive, sustainable and community-focused railway for the future.
