CRPs are an essential strand of the Community Rail Development strategy. They exist independently of the strategy but each Community Rail line will need to have the support of a CRP.
CRPs are a means by which commuters, councils, businesses, volunteer groups and organisations along a rail corridor can play an active role in the development of their local rail service and they bring together train operators, Network Rail, local authorities, local employers, development and tourism agencies, community groups and other locally based groups. They are established by mutual agreement and are typically staffed by a paid officer supported by a committee of stakeholders.
There are over 60 CRPS across the UK, ranging from Devon & Cornwall, through East Anglia and Wales to the North of England and Scotland. Community Rail Network (CRN) is their representative body. ACoRP receives core funding from the Department of Transport.