Bicentennial anniversary

September 2025 marked an important milestone for rail, with the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. The anniversary commemorated the world’s first passenger train journey by Locomotion No. 1, which travelled the 26 miles from Darlington to Stockton in 1825.

Since then, the rail industry has continued to play an important role in industrial and technological development, and in the way people travel, work and connect. Its history is still shaping communities today, as the industry looks ahead to a more sustainable future.

Here’s a summary of some of the ways we celebrated 200 years of the modern railway, as well as the part we’ve played as a pension scheme.

30 years of the RPS

In October 2024, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS). Since the railways were privatised in 1994, we have proudly supported members at various stages of their pension journey, and helped secure their futures by investing the money they pay in (their contributions) responsibly and sustainably.

To mark the occasion, we asked some of the Scheme’s members to share their experiences with the RPS. You can read all about these, and the RPS’ important role in rail and pensions, by visiting our 30^th anniversary webpage.

Supporting the next generation

In 2025, Railpen supported a scheme to give every primary school-aged child in Darlington a free ticket to Wagon Woods – the railway-themed adventure play park at Hopetown.

Hopetown, which is owned and operated by Darlington Borough Council, showcases over 30,000 artefacts celebrating the area’s world-leading railway story, from the pioneering days of the 1820’s through to the late 20th century. Wagon Woods brings that history to life in a way that’s interactive, inclusive and fun for all ages.

You can see a video launching the scheme below and read the full story on our news pages.

Looking back with Mick Cash

For 200 years, people across the rail industry have helped build, maintain and run the railway. Alongside this work, the industry has also created ways to support its people, including pensions, protection funds and savings accounts.

To mark the bicentenary, former RMT Union leader and Railways Pension Trustee Director Mick Cash took a look back at how this support has helped him throughout his nearly 50-year rail career.

Read Mick’s story in the PDF below.

Mick Cash - Rail and me (pdf)

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Supporting the rail community

The railways pension schemes are part of a vibrant railway community. We work closely with charities and societies that connect, celebrate and advocate for rail workers across the UK, including:

RBF is a charity which provides support to current, former and retired railway people and their families across the UK.

Visit website

A dedicated charity providing mental health support for everyone in the railway family.

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Providing quality housing for 100 years.

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Protecting vulnerable children across transport networks in the UK, India and Tanzania.

Visit website

What to read next...

30th anniversary

Read all about the last 30 years of the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS).

News updates

Read the latest updates from the world of pensions and see how they affect you as a member of the Scheme.

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Each of Railpen Limited (registered in England and Wales No. 2315380) and Railway Pension Investments Limited (RPIL) (Registered in England and Wales No. 1491097) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Railways Pension Trustee Company Limited (Registered in England and Wales No. 2934539). Registered office for each company: 7 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YH. RPIL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for some of its activities. The administration of occupational pension schemes is not a regulated activity. Full details about the extent of RPIL's authorisation and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.