Systems of the Year

It's like Stations of the Month - but bigger

The challenge

Every month we randomly select a rail transit system from somewhere in the world, which will remain in play for the next 12 months. This means that each month there will be 12 systems in play.

Scoring points

To earn points you just need to travel between any two stops on a system that is currently in play - and prove that you've done so.

Each visit earns one point up to a maximum of one point per person per system per calendar month, up to a maximum of three points per person per system. 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 proof we will accept either of the following:

• 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 (same rules as station of the month)
• Photos (or video) from onboard a moving train or tram operating on the relevant system.
  • These must be recognisably operating on the relevant system, e.g. by including a legible line diagram. Photos must make it clear you actually travelled on the train.

Systems

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 it's 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.

Special arrangements for 2025

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 station will be drawn each month, increasing the number of active systems.