Canterbury West station was at the centre of celebration of railways past, present and future as two new railway-related blue plaques were unveiled in the city.
Huw Merriman MP, the Rail Minister, joined representatives from train operating company (TOC) Southeastern and members of the Canterbury Society to unveil the plaques.
The first plaque marks the location of the original terminus of the former Canterbury and Whitstable Railway. The line was in operation between 1846 and 1952.
The second plaque commemorates the fact that the world's first railway season ticket was issued at Canterbury in 1834.
The first plaque will be placed on the station entrance while the second will, in due course, be placed on Weighbridge Cottage, the site of the first railway station at Canterbury.
The pair of plaques represent the first of 14 which will be installed across the city by the Canterbury Society in the coming months.
The celebration of the first season ticket also marks a major step forward for present-day commuters buying a similar ticket. Southeastern is the first TOC to retail and accept Flexi tickets as an sTicket.
The tickets have proved a major success with customers throughout south east London, Kent and East Sussex, with more than 6,800 tickets being sold since they were introduced in mid-December.
Flexi tickets enable eight days of travel in a 28-day period, at any time and between two stations. Anyone buying such a ticket will receive eight undated one-day passes.
sTickets represent a secure and convenient way to purchase a season ticket for those making the same journey on a regular basis. Passengers are also spared the need to queue at a ticket office, as sTickets can be bought through the Southeastern website and app.
Huw Merriman MP, the Rail Minister, said: “Our railways have a long history, but we are determined that they have a bright future too. Almost 200 years after launching the world's first-ever season ticket in 1834, it's great to see Southeastern continuing to deliver for passengers. Simpler ticketing can help attract more people back onto trains, which is why it's a key part of this Government's plans for reform.”
Jan Pahl, Vice-President of the Canterbury Society, added: “We are pleased to be working with Southeastern to celebrate Canterbury's special place in Britain's railway history. These plaques at Canterbury West and Weighbridge Cottage are part of a project for 14 new blue plaques in Canterbury.
“The project is an outcome of Canterbury City Council's Heritage Strategy 2022 which will contribute to deliver the vision of Canterbury's rich heritage – a heritage that is internationally recognised, accessible to everyone and celebrated for its outstanding significance, delivering long-term economic, social and environmental benefits to our district.”
Alicia Andrews, Commercial Director Southeastern, said: “We are delighted to have been joined by the Rail Minister and Canterbury Society for this special event today which not only recognises Canterbury's railway history but also our industry-leading developments to help build a better, more reliable and sustainable railway.
“We are the first operator in the country to accept and sell Flexi sTickets and we know customers right across south east London, Kent and East Sussex hugely value how convenient, simple and secure they are. sTickets complement our other digital products, such as eTickets and The Key Card providing even more options for customers when buying rail tickets to any of our fantastic destinations.”
