Consultation on latest East West Rail plans gets underway

People can view and comment on the latest plans for the proposed Oxford to Cambridge rail link from today.

A fresh consultation's been launched to get views from the public and organisations until the 24th January 2025.

The East West Rail would connect communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

Officials say some passenger services are due to start running from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes from next year.

A key milestone for of the project was also reached last month with the first test train successfully completing its first run between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

The government has described it as one of Britain’s largest transport projects, claiming it's set to boost the Oxford-Cambridge economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050.

A spokesperson says the new line will bolster the area’s thriving life science cluster, enable new housing developments along the route and support up to 28,000 jobs in Cambridge alone.

The consultation includes proposals for how trains could be powered on the route, outlining a preference for greener traction power and hybrid battery-electric trains, which would result in cleaner and faster journeys for passengers.

The government says once the scheme is complete, the revamped station will accommodate a three-fold increase in passenger services along the Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Bedford.

Today’s announcement marks the latest in the Transport Secretary’s drive to transform the rail network and deliver infrastructure that works for the whole country.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

“East West Rail will boost access to education and business opportunities while unlocking economic growth and productivity right across the region, including Cambridge’s world-leading life science cluster.

“With these proposals, passengers can get ready for more frequent, faster and greener journeys through an electrified line, demonstrating our drive to deliver infrastructure that is truly fit for the future.

“This consultation marks a significant moment for the project, offering the public an exciting opportunity to shape the development of this transformational line. I encourage local residents and businesses to get involved and have their say.”

David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said:

“The Government set out its support for delivering East West Rail in full in the Autumn Budget, so it’s great to have the Transport Secretary officially launch our latest public consultation on this key infrastructure project.

“East West Rail will support the Government’s economic growth by providing faster, easier and more reliable journeys, which will improve access to jobs, education and days out.

“I encourage people and businesses to get involved in our consultation by attending one of our events and reading our updated proposals, which include electrification to reflect our commitment to running a net zero carbon railway.”

Some politicians and campaigners have raised concerns about the project though.

Speaking earlier this month, the Lib Dem MP for Bicester Calum Miller said:

"It will connect our area to another really vibrant innovative area and create the opportunity of jobs, however, we have known for many years that the big challenge in Bicester is the London Road crossing and without proper investment from national government we might have the prospect of the town being cut in two."

You can find out more about events giving more information about the project and how to have your say on the East West Rail website.

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