Hello all,

On Saturday 27 September, the UK railway industry comes together to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 making its inaugural journey at the launch of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. This 26-mile trip signalled the start of the modern railway as we know it and sparked a global transport revolution that changed the world forever.

At c2c, we are very proud to join our railway colleagues across the UK to mark the occasion and to celebrate the milestones that have taken place across our line in those 200 years.

Since opening in 1841, the c2c line has connected people through major events, from its expansion to Shoeburyness in 1884, the two world wars, and the arrival of the Windrush generation, consistently serving passengers over the years.

We must always remember that the railways have shaped today’s world. They have facilitated mass mobility and unprecedented economic growth. They birthed entire towns, created mass tourism, enabled the sporting calendar, launched mail order and introduced fish and chips to our staple diet. The railways have even changed time, standardising it across the UK and the world.

In 2025, the UK railway’s pioneering pedigree ensures that it continues to evolve. Electrification and digital signalling are improving efficiency and sustainability, a point exemplified by the arrival of our new 720 trains on the c2c network in 2023.

Rail freight removes millions of lorry journeys from UK roads each year, reducing congestion and emissions – allowing us to highlight and celebrate days such as World Car Free Day. These are exciting times for the rail network as it moves towards a simpler, better and greener future under Great British Railways.

This bicentenary year has, so far, seen over 5,000 events and activities across the UK and beyond, celebrating the legacy and future of rail.

Throughout the year, c2c has marked the bicentenary both internally and externally. Our Rolling Stock Specialist, Peter Hubbard, recorded a ten-part podcast on the history of the c2c route (which can be found on YouTube), and we joined our colleagues at Network Rail Anglia for a celebration event at Liverpool Street station, took part the Great British Rail Sale in January and will be hosting a free-to-all Board Games Day at Fenchurch Street station on Saturday 27 September.

Not only does the Board Games Day highlight Railway 200, it also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Monopoly British Championships, which took place on the platforms in 1975.

So, as we celebrate 200 years of the railway, we want to extend our sincere thanks to the many industry partners, heritage organisations, volunteers and communities who have contributed to the Railway 200 celebrations and continue to support the sector’s progress.

Railways began as a bold experiment. Today, they are a vital part of our economy, our culture and our everyday lives. Here’s to the next 200 years.

Thank you,

Rob Mullen, c2c Managing Director