The British Transport Pensioners' Federation - our history and purpose

Since its formation in 1948, the British Transport Pensioners’ Federation has secured many financial benefits for railway pensioners and their dependants, as well as improvements to travel facilities for retired staff. We have representatives on the Board of Trustees and the Pensioners’ Committees of the Pensions Section ‘Closed Fund’ and the BR Superannuation Fund. We have also secured representation on the Pensioners' Committees of many of the new Funds applicable to the privatised railway.  

Our affiliation to the National Pensioners’ Convention enables us to add our strength to the campaign for improvements to the State Retirement Pension and associated benefits.

With its strong membership, the Federation is recognised by both Pension Fund Managers and government bodies as being truly representative of all railway pensioners. 

The Federation and its sixty local branches are run entirely by volunteers, who are themselves railway pensioners. But it’s not all meetings and campaigning! – some branches also organise social activities and outings and keep in touch with members in their area.  

Yet to remain truly representative, and to have an even stronger voice, we need to continue increasing our numbers, especially among the ‘younger generation’ of pensioners and deferred pensioners. Membership is open to anyone in receipt of (or with deferred rights to) a railway pension and/or travel facilities, including widows and widowers of retired staff. Active staff aged 55 or over are also welcome to join our organisation and add their voice to the campaign to protect our pensions and privileges in retirement.

By joining one of our branches, you will be able to keep in touch with fellow pensioners and ex-colleagues and make new friends, as well as supporting the Federation’s voice and objectives. Membership fees vary from branch to branch, but are always very modest.