The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (ESLCRP) is an unincorporated association of local government, public transport operators and community groups.
The Partnership aims to bring together representatives of the local transport authority, local planning authorities, train operating company, infrastructure operator and a wide range of local community groups, with the objective of securing the future of the Ipswich – Lowestoft and Ipswich – Felixstowe railway lines through increased patronage and revenue.
The partnership is funded by train company Greater Anglia, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk Council who hold seats on the board.
Line Groups are also represented on the board; they are comprised of individuals, community groups, businesses and representatives of town and parish councils who bring forth ideas which have contributed to significant improvements along the lines.
- North: Lowestoft to Halesworth
- South: Darsham to Woodbridge
- East: Ipswich to Felixstowe
User groups – Felixstowe Travel Watch (FTW) and the East Suffolk Travel Association (ESTA) are represented through membership of our three devolved Line Groups.
CRP Officer
Our officer works with our board and line groups to help develop and deliver our activity plan.
The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership also works with Network Rail who own the tracks, signals, bridges and infrastructure.
The ESLCRP is a member of the Community Rail Network which is the membership body for nearly 70 community rail partnerships representing more than 1000 station adoption groups.
On 3 March 2015 the Department for Transport (DfT) awarded Designated Service status to the East Suffolk Lines (Ipswich – Lowestoft, Ipswich – Felixstowe). The designation provided for a flexible approach to help improve the financial performance of the lines, increase the social value of the railway, and ensure the East Suffolk Lines long term future.
On 29 May 2020 the partnership was awarded accredited status. Accreditation is formal recognition by the DfT that a community rail partnership (CRP) operates to a high standard and that its objectives and activities are supported by Government. The Department for Transport’s new Community Rail Strategy sets out what the Government expects to see from community rail organisations through 2028.
Getting Involved
For more information on the CRP and how you can get involved through one our three Line Groups click on the links below: