East West Rail to boost Oxford-Cambridge region by billions

Have your say on proposals for a new rail link between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

One of the Britain’s largest transport projects is set to boost the Oxford-Cambridge economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050, thanks to the government’s support for delivering East West Rail in full.

As set out by the Chancellor in the Budget, 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 Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, reaffirmed the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth and productivity across the region during a visit to a new-look Bletchley Station today (14 November 2024) to invite the public’s feedback on the latest plans for the scheme.

Along with East West Railway CEO David Hughes, Louise Haigh launched a 10-week consultation for the project, encouraging communities to have their say and shape the development of the line.

This will include 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 public will also be invited to have their say on planned timetables and services, which include up to 4 trains per hour along the route, delivering a turn up and go style service for passengers.