Railpen launches new campaign to celebrate 200th anniversary of the modern railway

Railpen has launched the #BeyondTheTracks200 campaign in partnership with Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Railway Housing Association.

The Darlington & Stockton Railway formally opened on the 27 September 1825. The launch of the modern railway transformed the country, connecting communities and revolutionising transport engineering.

To celebrate this important milestone, #BeyondTheTracks200 tells the story of how the railway community has driven innovation and improvements in wider society over the last 200 years – including the establishment of critical social infrastructure that remains in place for UK citizens today.

The campaign also looks to the future, and how people across the railways are working to deliver a sustainable, inclusive future for everyone, by:

• Securing financial futures: rail employers were among the first to introduce workplace pensions, pioneering what is now an important pillar of social infrastructure for working people across all UK industries. Today, these pensions are invested across the UK, growing the economy, improving communities and delivering long-term value for members.
• Investing in workers’ homes, health and wellbeing: the railway has a long history of working to support rail workers through hard times, providing respite, social housing and care. Today, these important programmes are delivered by dedicated societies, sports clubs, charities and volunteers from across the rail community, providing a lifeline for people across the UK.
• Unlocking opportunities for everyone: the railways have made it easier for people of all walks of life to connect with places and ideas. The industry also brought skilled jobs and training to many parts across the UK and continues this today.
• Advocating for workers’ rights: leading the way on issues like safer working conditions and fair pay, rail’s trade unions continue to play a crucial role in securing more rights and opportunities for all UK workers.

The campaign will see the creation of a new microsite and content series, including blogs that highlight the important work that has been carried out by Railpen’s partner charities for #BeyondTheTracks200 over the past two decades. This includes Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Railway Housing Association.

In addition, Railpen and their campaign partners invite railway employers to share their stories on how they have supported communities and wider society on social media via the hashtag #BeyondTheTracks200.

Railpen Director of Corporate Affairs Jonathan Clark said: “The rail industry has been connecting people and communities for 200 years. Its impact and ongoing contribution goes beyond the tracks which is why it’s so important for us to come together, working with our partners to celebrate the positive social impact of rail  to date and into the future.”

Railways Pension Trustee Company Limited Director and former RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “For 200 years, the rail industry has led the way, not only in industrial and technological innovation, but in social progress and development. It’s legacy touches all our lives, and one that we need to continue investing in to ensure a brighter future, not just for railway workers, but for everyone.”

To find out more and get involved, head to beyondthetracks200.co.uk or search #BeyondTheTracks200 on LinkedIn.