For many rail passengers, time spent at their local station is an integral part of their travel experience.
The look and feel of the station, along with the services and amenities it provides, all significantly enhance the enjoyment and efficiency of journeys.
Passengers are being encouraged to celebrate and support their favourite Scottish stations by voting for them in the World Cup of Stations 2024 – hosted by Rail Delivery Group.
The annual competition shines a light on stations each year, and this years’ theme is on stations with great businesses within the premises, or nearby, that play a crucial role in supporting and enriching the community and the hard work that make the stations stand out – such as Scotland Cadenhead Whiskey shop in Edinburgh, a must for enthusiasts wanting to sample some of the finest spirits, or Kilmarnock Station Village, an innovative space with retail shops, cafes and community services within the station itself.
According to the latest research, the average rail passenger spends £32 near their departure station at their favourite businesses. This expenditure encompasses grabbing a latte to go, getting a trim for a day out, and enjoying activities with friends.
As well as rail being a supporter of the local economy, local amenities are also a driver of people travelling by rail. For a third of respondents from the research (34%), the ability to go shopping in and around the station was one of the main reasons they choose to travel by train.
This positive impact is not only being recognised but also celebrated in the upcoming World Cup of Stations 2024, which will take place from October 14 to October 18.
As highlighted by last year’s competition theme, more than 1,200 stations across Britain are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, that help to make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities.
Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing, local arts projects, and workshops and visits with children and young people. It aims to foster a sense of community and support for local businesses that enhance the travel experience and contribute to UK economy.
Having begun in 2019, the competition is growing; more than 70,000 votes were cast last year for 48 shortlisted stations across 11 regions vying for the title, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland walking away the winner and Denmark Hill in London and Leamington Spa in Warwickshire runners up.
Voting for the Scotland heats takes place from October 16, 2024*. The winners of each heat will go through to the semi finals and then the champion will be announced.
Which station can you vote for?
- Kilmarnock
- Pitlochry
- Edinburgh Waverley
- Glasgow Queen Street
How to vote
The World Cup of Stations is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of community spirit and local enterprise, so mark your calendars and get ready to vote for your favourite station.
To participate in this exciting event and support your favourite station, visit Rail Delivery Group’s World Cup of Stations website when voting opens for the Scottish heats on October 16. Here, you’ll be able to see each nomination and cast your vote*.
Your vote not only helps highlight the most popular stations, but also supports the local businesses, acknowledging their efforts and encouraging further development.
Rail Delivery Group
If you have travelled by train or booked a journey for friends or family, you will have used one of Rail Delivery Group’s (RDG’s) services. They are integral to the running of the railway and play a crucial part at every stage of the
customer journey. The RDG provides customers with information on their train service, help them reserve their seat, offer them discounted fares through Railcards, and help arrange assistance for those customers that need additional support when travelling by train.
This commitment extends beyond just improving train services. By hosting events like the World Cup of Stations, it aims to foster a sense of community and support for local businesses that enhance the travel experience.
For more details about the competition and to cast your vote, visit Rail Delivery Group’s website raildeliverygroup.com/worldcupofstations
*Full terms and conditions of the competition can be found on the Rail Delivery Group’s website, along with its privacy policy.