The National Railway Museum and Campaign for Better Transport are jointly hosting a research symposium on 16th of July 2025 from 9:00am to 11:30 am.
On the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington line, we look back at the history of passenger transport and ask three important questions: (1) what has changed, (2) what have we learned, and (3) how can we use that progress as momentum to shift transport conditions forward?
The event explores the theme of evolution through an analysis of the Campaign for Better Transport archive, which for over half a century has campaigned for high-quality sustainable transport. Founded by members of the rail unions and environmental advocacy groups in the UK, the organisation has campaigned alongside local and national groups such as Save Our Railways, Friends of the Earth, Railway Development Society, OPRAF, county councils, and others to shape passenger and goods transport, and has made meaningful contributions to reducing company car usage, reduction of heavy lorries on roads, addressing rail fares and overcrowding on trains, and promoting accessibility and safety for various passenger groups on trains, trams, and other forms of public transport.
The symposium will open with a look at some archival materials and their stories, followed by a conversation with active campaigners before a series of short presentations explores different tracks of transport evolution. The symposium will end with audience Q&A.
This event is for researchers, policymakers, rail enthusiasts, and any other individuals who might be interested in exploring the opportunities of rail for passenger quality of life, accessibility, economy, traffic reduction, carbon emission reduction, and more.
L'événement est fully online and bookable on Eventbrite
Registrants will receive a YouTube Live link closer to the date.