The Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership (YCCRP) has detailed a forward-thinking agenda for 2026, focusing on deepening community connections and making the railway more accessible to vulnerable passengers.
A primary objective for the coming year is the development of specialised services for those living with dementia, building upon successful models seen in neighbouring areas.
Roger Gateley, the Vice Chairman of the YCCRP, who was recently shortlisted for an outstanding volunteer contribution award, is a leading voice in these efforts. He emphasizes that the partnership is keen to ensure that the railway serves every member of the community, regardless of the challenges they may face when travelling.
This initiative draws inspiration from the "Forget Me Not Train" on the Esk Valley line, which runs from Whitby and provides a supportive environment featuring live music and hand massages for passengers with dementia and their carers. By introducing similar measures, the YCCRP seeks to fulfill its mission of promoting sustainable, healthy, and accessible travel while supporting diversity and inclusion.
Speaking on the partnership's commitment to inclusivity, Mr Gateley stated:
"Esk Valley started it. We're developing it because people with dementia like vascular dementia can miss out on travelling on trains.
Rachel, our rail officer, also does valuable work in terms of training with people with learning disabilities, ethnic minorities, people who find the idea of travelling on trains overwhelming. So, we're looking to develop all those particular areas this year."
In addition to social outreach, the partnership is planning significant physical and digital enhancements to improve the passenger journey across the region. Particular focus remains on Scarborough station, which boasts the world’s longest station seat. This 139-metre historic landmark, built in the late 1800s to handle the crowds of seaside excursionists, continues to be a focal point for local pride and engagement.
Mr Gateley outlined the practical steps being taken at various stations:
"We're going to do more work on the Scarborough station seat and looking on promoting that with the local colleges and students. We're looking to start some work on Filey station which the improvements have taken place. We want to launch the rail map which is on the station and we've also developed the tracks explorer online which will tell people journeying from Brough to Scarborough about their journey. We're promoting that."
The YCCRP, established in 1999, serves as a vital link between the rail industry and the communities of the Yorkshire Coast, including Bridlington, Driffield, Filey, and Pickering. The organisation has a strong track record of success, with station adoption groups in Bridlington, Filey, and Driffield frequently receiving top honours in the Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the partnership continues to collaborate with local councils and volunteer groups to ensure the rail corridor remains a vibrant and essential asset for the area. By blending heritage celebrations, such as those at Scarborough, with modern digital tools and compassionate social initiatives, the YCCRP aims to make the Yorkshire Coast line a leader in community-focused rail travel for 2026.
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