Greater Anglia and the Ipswich to Cambridge Community Rail Partnership have launched a competition to find a distinctive promotional name for the Ipswich to Cambridge rail line.

The Community Rail Partnership (CRP), established in Autumn 2024, was created to help develop and promote services along this important regional corridor, ensuring future improvements reflect local needs and priorities.

In recent months, a CRP officer and Chair have been appointed, and key objectives agreed, marking the next stage in the partnership’s growth.

The naming competition is now seen as an important step in raising the profile of the route for years to come.

The line connects a wide variety of destinations, from the world-renowned colleges of Cambridge to the marina at Ipswich, as well as the horse racing hub of Newmarket and the historic streets of Bury St Edmunds. With scenic countryside views along the way, the corridor serves communities that are diverse, vibrant and steeped in heritage.

Organisers say the chosen name will help forge stronger links between communities and their railway, encourage travel for work, education and leisure, and support tourism, local events and station improvements across the route.

Suggestions are open online, with Greater Anglia offering a free trip for 4 to the competition winner.

“As part of our plans to build awareness of the Ipswich to Cambridge line and the attractive locations it serves, as well as support the work of our new CRP, we’re looking for a name that captures the essence of the area. We know reinforcing our local links with an appropriate name will help us strengthen ties with the local community and increase passenger numbers.”

Tracey Harding, Chair of the Ipswich to Cambridge CRP.

“We’re pleased to launch this competition with the Ipswich to Cambridge CRP as part of our joint plans to help promote and develop train services along this key regional route. A promotional name for the line will help us raise its profile and encourage more people to take the train, visit the exciting places along it, and support the local economy. We look forward to receiving people’s suggestions, choosing an appropriate name for the CRP and ensuring the Ipswich to Cambridge line continues to thrive in the years ahead.”

Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs, Greater Anglia.