Leading a sustainable transport plan

In 2011, we established a community-led transport plan known as Get On Track to help improve transport links from Leighton Buzzard station.

This plan saw volunteers working alongside transport service professionals to improve and promote sustainable transport options from the station, with increased cycle parking and an improved bus service provision at the station. 

The provision was backed up with a programme of promotional activities, and led to a 58% increase in cycling to the station, and a doubling of bus travel.

An award-winning plan

Members of the campaigning groups pose with an award on stage.
Back row (l-r): Stephen Sleight, Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership; Ged Burgess, London Midland; James Gleave, Central Bedfordshire Council; Debbie Johnston, London Midland; Daphne Walker, ‘Off the Rails’; Anna Maria Izzard, London Midland. Front row (l-r): Sylvia Lay Flurrie,‘Off the Rails’; Victoria Harvey, South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth

The plan was awarded first place in the Local Transport Integration category by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships in 2011. 

Neil Buxton, General Manager of Association of Community Rail Partnerships said: “This is a fine example of a community in action at a local level. The Get On Track team have worked hard to make their station a true transport hub and gaining first place in this prestigious award is a credit to them. Community rail is all about cooperation and partnership and the Leighton Buzzard team have shown just how it’s done!”

The work inspired the establishment of a Station Adoption Group, giving the community even more of a say in their local station.