The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a £1 million competition to encourage more visitors to travel by rail to tourist attractions across the UK.
The competition is aimed particularly at heritage railways and community rail partnerships. It will offer grants to rail operators who come up with innovative ideas.
The DfT said it hopes the competition will encourage more tourists and make it easier to explore the UK by rail.
The competition is expected to generate around 20 winners, who will receive grants ranging from £25,000 to £75,000.
The DfT suggested that successful projects could include: improving the connectivity of heritage and community rail; improved disability access; special ticketing offers and better cycle facilities at stations.
The competition aims to encourage tourists to go by rail
A key objective is to encourage more tourists to travel to destinations outside London, which is where most heritage railways and community railways are located.
Around 10 million people a year visit a heritage railway, while community rail lines account for around 40 million journeys annually.
Community rail lines are often based in rural areas and support the tourism industry there.
Competition entries be submitted by 4 April, followed by a ‘pitching event’ in London on 10 May.
Rail minister Claire Perry said: ‘We have a fantastic railway network that allows visitors to see the best of Britain’s tourist destinations. This is a great opportunity for heritage railways and community rail partnerships to further improve that tourist experience.’
Last week the world famous Flying Scotsman made its inaugural run after a 10-year refit that cost £4.2m.
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