Could your rail route claim the title of Britain’s most life-changing station?

• Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink are calling on passengers to nominate their favourite railway station, with selected stations set to go head-to-head for the national title of ‘Most life-changing station’.

• The nomination phase of World Cup of Stations competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, runs until 22 August, with the selected 20 going for a public vote in October 2025.

• Nominate your local station at www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations

Passengers of Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink are being encouraged to nominate what they consider to be their most life-changing local station for national recognition in the World Cup of Stations 2025.

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, this year’s competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, will honour the most life-changing station of the past 200 years, recognising the stations that have left a lasting mark on people, places, and communities across Britain. From stories of resilience and community connection to sites of personal transformation, the World Cup of Stations will celebrate the role rail stations play well beyond travel.

The nomination phase runs until 22 August, giving passengers the opportunity to submit real-life stories of how a particular station has changed their lives. Whether a moment of local pride, national significance, or a deeply personal experience — every story counts.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for GTR, said: “Railways have shaped our lives and communities, connecting us for work and leisure; they’re absolutely vital. We want to hear from you about stations that have made a real impact and deserve to be recognised nationally.”

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The World Cup of Stations is celebrating the stations that have truly made a difference in people’s lives. Cromford Station is a great example — its place in British music history and its restoration by the local community shows how stations can become much more than transport hubs.

“As we mark 200 years of railway history, we want to hear the incredible stories behind the stations that continue to bring people and communities together.”

The World Cup of Stations 2025 is a key highlight of the Railway 200 programme — a year-long celebration marking two centuries since the opening of the world’s first passenger railway in Britain. Over the last 200 years, rail has reshaped how we live, work and connect — linking communities, powering economies, and enriching lives across the globe. This year’s competition shines a light on the human stories behind that legacy, celebrating the moments and memories that make rail truly special.

Nominations will be reviewed by a judging panel, with 20 standout stations shortlisted to go forward to a public vote in October 2025.

Notes to editors:

Nominate your station by 22 August at: www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations

Follow the journey: #WorldCupofStations and #Railway200

Learn more about Railway 200 at: www.railway200.co.uk