View source for Systems of the Year

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Introducing Stations of the Year - like our [[Stations of the Month]] competition, but bigger! Another chance to inspire '''your''' adventures, we'll randomly select a rail transit system from somewhere in the world, which will remain in play for the next twelve months. This means that each month there will be twelve systems in play. All you have to do is visit as many of them as you can and take a ride between any two stations on the system - and prove that you've done so. This could be via a series of photos or videos, and you are encouraged to be as creative as possible! Once you've done that, share it with us either via social media using the hashtag <code>#OOLSotY</code> or on our [[Discord]] server in the dedicated post in the {{discord channel|#activities-on-our-lines}} forum.

Each visit to a system per calendar month will earn you one point, and you can score points for up to three visits over the course of the twelve month draw. Bonus points (e.g. for creativity or visit attempts that failed due to circumstances outside your control) will be considered on a case by case basis.

For your entry to count, you'll either need to take photos (or video) at two (or more) stations that are connected by direct trains operated as part of the relevant system. These '''''must''''' be recognisably a specific station served by the relevant system, e.g. by including a legible name board - these are the same rules as we use for [[Station of the Month]]. Alternatively, you can submit photos (or video) from onboard a moving train or tram operating on the relevant system. Again, these must be recognisably operating on the relevant system, e.g. by including a legible line diagram, and photos must make it clear you actually travelled on the train. All entries are governed by the [[B:CT|Challenges Terms]].

Our points [[Systems of the Year/Leaderboard {{CURRENTYEAR}}|leaderboard]] will run on an annual basis, and the person with the most points at the end of the year will win an exclusive prize! But remember - it's all in good fun and what we ''really'' want to see is where your adventures and imaginations take you. If you want to share any stories, tips or memories of your journeys, we would love if you added them to the relevant system's page here on [[B:A|Bradshaw]].

Ready to get adventuring? Here's the [[Systems of the Year/Current|current selection of Systems of the Year]]!
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Eligible systems are those which run on rails, operate at least most of the year, do not normally require advance booking or special permission to ride, and are located in countries it is legal, safe and reasonably practical for a British national to visit, including those who are LGBTQ+, etc.

If nobody visits a selected system during its year in play, it goes back in the pool and is eligible to be picked again after three months. Systems that have been visited are not eligible to be picked again.
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For bootstrapping purposes, three systems will be drawn in January 2025. The first out the hat will be in play from January to December 2025, the second from January 2025 to January 2026 and the third from January 2025 to February 2026. From April  to December 2025 one system will be drawn each month, increasing the number of active systems.
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Take a look at the rankings of those who've entered Systems of the Year competition during {{CURRENTYEAR}}! The more systems you visit, and the more creative you are, the more points you can earn to raise you up to the top of the list. There'll be prizes on offer at the end of the year... good luck!
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Want to see where entrants have visited, or what systems you could have won points at? Find the full list [[List of Systems of the Year|here]].
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[[Category:Systems of the Year|*]] [[Category:Challenges]]