East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has initiated a public consultation to gather opinions on its revised plans for a railway project linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.

Services are set to commence on the initial segment of the East West Rail (EWR) between Oxford and Bletchley by 2025. Construction is complete with line testing currently in progress.

The latest design revisions are showcased in this third non-statutory public consultation for EWR. The enhancements focus on new railway construction between Bedford and Cambridge and significant upgrades on the existing line from Oxford to Bedford.

These changes stem from prior community input and advanced technical design efforts. This consultation follows the government’s recent budget declaration, ensuring the project’s complete execution.

East West Rail aims to boost regional connectivity, enhance local economies, support new housing developments, and create job opportunities across the UK.

Highlights of the revised plans include:

• Green Traction Power: Preference for discontinuous electrification paired with hybrid battery-electric trains to minimize environmental impacts, construction disruption, and costs.
• Station Enhancements: Relocation of Bedford St Johns station to enhance access to Bedford Hospital, along with improvements at Bedford station itself, such as a new plaza and additional platforms. Upgrades at Cambridge station aim to accommodate increased train frequency, with plans for new tracks and platform adjustments. Potential upgrades at Oxford, Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, and Bletchley stations are also under consideration.
• Service Options: Two strategies are being explored for the Marston Vale Line, either maintaining current stations or consolidating them for more efficient service and shorter travel times.
• New Stations: Proposals for new stations at Tempsford and Cambourne to support regional growth and reduce road traffic.
• Environmental Considerations: Proposed tunnels beneath the A428 and near Haslingfield to mitigate environmental disruptions and preserve local wildlife habitats.
• Operational Hours: Train services are planned to run from early morning until midnight or later, depending on the day of the week.

David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “East West Rail will improve people’s everyday lives by creating more job opportunities, easier and quicker ways to get to work and enjoy days out, and more affordable places to live, while crucially boosting economic growth both across the route and the entire country.  

“This is why I’m excited to present our updated proposals, which include electrification to reflect our commitment to running a net zero carbon railway.    

“Local authorities and businesses have been calling for this railway for three decades and our revised plans aim to maximise the benefits of the project.  

“Our updated proposals have been influenced by the huge number of conversations we’ve had with local people and businesses, and thousands of responses we have had to our last public consultation. I encourage people to read our updated proposals in this consultation, attend one of the public events across the route and share your views to help us refine our designs further so East West Rail can best serve its local communities.” 

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.” 

Cllr Liz Leffman, Chair of England’s Economic Heartland, the sub-national transport body for the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge region, said: “East West Rail will transform the way people can sustainably access jobs, skills, leisure and housing across the region. Our world class universities, science parks and knowledge-intensive businesses will finally be linked together: fuelling innovation, attracting inward investment, creating prosperity and boosting economic growth.   

“The launch of this consultation represents a significant milestone for a project the region has campaigned for over several decades. It is crucial that people now respond to the proposals. We must ensure the scheme to be delivered is planned, built and operated in a way which leaves the best possible legacy for our communities, businesses, environment and wider transport system.” 

The public is invited to view these proposals and provide feedback through our consultation page starting November 14. The consultation includes a feedback form, technical reports, environmental assessments, and detailed route maps.

The 10-week consultation period, running from November 14, 2024, to January 24, 2025, will feature public and online events where participants can engage with the EWR Co team to learn more about the project updates.

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