Media centre

Monday 12 Sep 2005

CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF RAIL TRAVEL

Region & Route:

The world’s first passenger railway is celebrating its anniversary. The opening of the Manchester to Liverpool line in 1830 is being marked on Thursday 15 September. Peter Strachan, Route Director (LNW), said: “I am extremely proud that the first purpose-built passenger railway in the world is on my route and is still being used and maintained today.  This busy line is still as important today as it was all those years ago and the railway contributed in making Manchester and Liverpool, two of the most significant cities in Britain.” Groups and organisations across the North West are commemorating the occasion with a variety of activities:

• The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, which is the site of the oldest station in the world, is hosting a ‘Riot of Steam’ from Thursday, September 15 – Sunday, September 18. Attractions will include Rocket, Sans Pareil and Novelty, who took part in the Rainhill trials as well as displays and talks
• Merseytravel will unveil four promotional planks signs at Rainhill station to commemorate the day as well as hosting an information display, which will include pictures and details on the history of the line
• Merseytravel will also be unveiling a plaque at the site of the old railway station at Crown Street, Liverpool, with people in period costume
• Northern are planning a trip down memory lane and company representatives will be donning period costume and handing out commemorative gifts to passengers. On the anniversary there will also be a special discounted ticket valid for travel between Rainhill and Manchester
• The Liverpool Daily Post has commissioned a steam train, which will travel from Liverpool to York on the Sunday after the anniversary
• There will be a Heritage Rail Trail, organised by St Helens Council, which will tour ten historic sites including Rainhill Station, the Huskisson Memorial, Sankey Viaduct and the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
• The Liverpool Culture Company has several activities planned including an exhibition at Liverpool Central Library and a bus tour of historic railway sites

  Mr Strachan added: “The railways were the Victorian’s greatest legacy and changed the world we live in today.  It enabled people to travel across the country quickly and safely. The railways also allowed larger numbers of goods to be transported at speed, helping Britain to become one of the richest countries in the world and contributing to the growth of its enormous empire.”