CrossCountry has published its 2026 Social Value report, setting out the operator’s contribution to communities, the environment and the wider economy.
The report, released on 17 April, shows the company generated £184 million in social value over the past year. The increase reflects both expanded activity and improved methods for measuring and reporting impact.
Structured around three core areas – people, places and planet – the report aligns with CrossCountry’s broader sustainability strategy. Social value is used as a consistent framework to assess outcomes across these areas.
This year’s report also introduces a more comprehensive approach to carbon measurement, including both direct and avoided emissions. This is intended to give a clearer picture of the operator’s role in supporting decarbonisation.
Jessica Lockwood, Environment and Sustainability Manager at CrossCountry, said the updated reporting approach provides a stronger understanding of the operator’s wider impact.
“Social value gives us a clear way to understand and measure the difference that the CrossCountry network makes – beyond just the journeys we operate,” she said.
“Expanding the scope of our reporting means we can better demonstrate the outcomes we deliver for people, communities and the environment.”
The report highlights a number of initiatives delivered over the past year. Work with the Newcastle Rail Academy has supported new employment opportunities, with two students securing onboard roles on the network.
Environmental projects have also been progressed through partnerships with organisations including GreenTheUK and the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. Along the Lias Line, these initiatives have focused on biodiversity improvements, including tree planting, wildflower seeding and the installation of wildlife habitats.
CrossCountry said these activities also support wider objectives around active travel and better integration between rail and other transport modes.
Thomas Raynor, Head of Strategy at CrossCountry, said the approach reflects a broader role for the railway.
“Our Social Value Strategy reinforces that CrossCountry’s purpose goes beyond running trains,” he said.
“It is about supporting regional growth, creating opportunity and enabling more sustainable travel choices.”
The operator said it will continue to develop its social value framework to better capture long-term impacts across its network.
Image credit: CrossCountry
