We help Devon and Cornwall’s branch lines to grow.

We help Devon and Cornwall’s
branch lines to grow.

Who we are

Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership team and partners at Plymouth station

We are a non-profit partnership between local authorities, the railway and the University of Plymouth, where we are based.

Our core funding partners are Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and CrossCountry Trains.

Our impact

Passengers on Dartmoor Line train

We have helped secure more frequent trains on each of the counties’ branch lines, and have made stations more attractive and welcoming in partnership with community volunteers.

Our marketing has helped to increase journey figures on the branch lines by 20% in the last two years.

Our highlights

Check out this infographic of our latest highlights: from the numbers that tell our story to our latest case studies and awards.

Devon and Cornwall rail network overview map
National recognition

When the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership was founded in 1991, we were the country’s first Community Rail Partnership (CRP).

There are now more than 75 CRPs around the UK. Supported by the Community Rail Network, they come together at the annual Community Rail Awards to share and celebrate best practice.

Our recent successes at the awards include:

  • Winner, Tourism & Leisure (2026)
  • 2nd place, Community Engagement (2026)
  • 3rd place, Tourism & Leisure (2025)
  • 3rd place, Community Engagement (2025)