The Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership has announced that its newly appointed chair, Tom Painter, is set to spearhead a transformative agenda focused on strengthening the ties between railway stations and the local communities they serve.
Painter, who currently holds positions as the general manager of the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and head of rail at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), plans to make railway stations a source of local pride and cultural reflection.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the WCRP is a collaborative initiative comprising local government, the rail industry, and community groups. The partnership's primary goals are to promote rail travel, enhance station facilities, and foster community pride through station adoption schemes, arts projects, and educational outreach across Worcestershire.
Commenting on this vision, Painter said:
“Our railway stations should be sources of community pride, not just places to catch a train. By deepening the bonds between local people and their stations, we can make rail travel a more vibrant and appealing option for people across Worcestershire and beyond.
“I want to enable more people across Worcestershire to come forward and adopt more local stations and help us turn them into valued community facilities.”
Under Painter’s leadership, the WCRP will build on its achievements while exploring new opportunities to enrich the local rail experience.
The key priorities for the partnership include:
- Expanding the Station Adoption Program: With over half of Worcestershire’s 18 stations already benefiting from volunteer efforts, the program aims to create safer and more welcoming spaces through community involvement.
- Promoting Sustainability and Connectivity: Encouraging rail as a greener alternative to reduce congestion and support economic growth, aligning with environmental objectives.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with schools, colleges, and local organisations to develop railway stations into vibrant community hubs.
- Celebrating Rail 200 in 2025: Participating in the bicentennial celebrations of passenger rail, highlighting the historical significance and future potential of rail travel in connecting communities.
Painter’s vision for the WCRP involves transforming stations into gateways that reflect local character and culture, promoting sustainable travel while enhancing the overall passenger experience. He emphasises the importance of community involvement in creating stations that locals can be proud of.
Community Rail Officer at the WCRP, Fiona Saxon, added:
“Tom brings a wealth of experience and passion for using rail as a catalyst for community engagement. We’re excited to have him on board as we work to make our stations true hubs for local life.”
Image credit: West Midlands Combined Authority
