Chiltern Railways Increases Social Value Impact to £1.3 Billion in 2023

Chiltern Railways enhances its contribution to communities with a significant increase in social value impact, focusing on economic growth, social benefits, and environmental sustainability.

Chiltern Railways has released its 2023 Social Value Report, which details a substantial increase in its contributions to the communities it serves. According to the report, conducted by Steer, an independent transport consultancy, Chiltern’s social value impact grew by £284.5 million this year, reaching a remarkable total of £1.3 billion.

The assessment, based on an Economic Impact Assessment methodology, breaks down the operator's contributions as follows: £41.8 million from employee salaries, £181.6 million in supply chain expenditures, and £155.5 million from wider economic impacts. Additionally, the report highlights a 'catalytic impact' of £963.8 million, reflecting the long-term benefits brought by the rail services, such as improved journey times, reduced congestion, and lower CO2 emissions.

Chiltern Railways operates across a vast geographic area, impacting 58 of the UK’s 121 postcode areas through its activities. This widespread influence is bolstered by a supply chain that extends from the northeast of Scotland to the West Midlands, demonstrating the breadth of its economic engagement.

2023 also saw the launch of Chiltern’s Community Investment Fund, which supports local not-for-profit organizations and charities. This initiative has allocated £126,000 to twelve projects, ranging from rail confidence sessions for refugees and survivors of modern slavery in the West Midlands to the creation of new active travel trails at Bicester North and Banbury stations.

Vanessa Russell, HR and Corporate Affairs Director at Chiltern Railways, expressed pride in the company’s role within local communities: “We are dedicated to delivering easier, greener, and better services for our customers, and our community activities reflect our commitment to providing significant economic and social opportunities locally.”

Looking forward, Chiltern Railways is exploring further enhancements to its service through the potential introduction of a modernized and decarbonized fleet. This upgrade could replace older diesel trains with low-carbon battery or hybrid alternatives, potentially adding an additional £25.3 million in social value and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

With ambitions to grow its customer base from 20 million in 2023 to around 30 million, Chiltern Railways projects an increase in social, economic, and environmental benefits, contributing an additional £477.7 million. The company remains committed to its goal of achieving net-zero status by 2050, as outlined in its Right Route 2030 Vision, ensuring continued progress towards a sustainable and community-focused future.