Just weeks after confirmation that Oxford’s Cowley Branch Line will reopen to passengers, Oxfordshire County Council has approved an ambitious long-term strategy to improve rail transport and connectivity across the county and wider region.
The council’s cabinet has adopted OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, developed in partnership with industry stakeholders and shaped by a public consultation. The strategy outlines a series of interventions to create a modern, inclusive and sustainable rail network, centred around four core priorities:
- An Oxfordshire Metro: a coordinated, user-focused transport network integrating rail, buses, walking and cycling.
- Electrification: delivering a zero-carbon rail network for Oxfordshire, anchored by an electric freight spine.
- Oxford railway station: expanding capacity, improving connectivity and upgrading facilities.
- Five new stations: at Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke, Wantage & Grove and Ardley to support planned growth.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said:
“This is not simply a wish list. We have credible routes for the delivery of each of the proposals in OxRail 2040, and through the consultation we have received very positive feedback from key government and industry figures.
While the government and train operators are responsible for rail infrastructure and passenger services, with private operators delivering rail freight, as the local transport and highways authority Oxfordshire County Council is a key stakeholder and partner in shaping the future of transport in the county.
Since we started putting this plan together, we’ve had the announcement about government funding of the Cowley Branch Line, which shows the kind of investment we can generate when all the preparation and partnership working is in place when opportunities arise.”
Additional opportunities identified in the plan include continued support for community rail initiatives and exploring mass rapid transit options for the Oxford-Witney-Carterton corridor in line with emerging growth plans.
OxRail 2040 also calls for upgrades across the county’s rail network to support increased passenger services and expand freight capacity. The council argues that shifting freight from road to rail will ease congestion on key routes such as the A34, reduce maintenance costs and improve air quality.
Further priorities include the continued development of East West Rail, improvements to all 23 existing railway stations and restoring double track on the North Cotswold Line to Hanborough.
The requirement for a new rail plan is set out in the council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. The strategy is also expected to strengthen Oxfordshire’s position when bidding for future funding opportunities.
Cllr Roberts added:
“It demonstrates how we are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy.
However, success in delivering these aims will depend on the government, the rail industry and our local communities collaborating with us and playing their part.
With the move to a state owned Great British Railways encompassing track and train, and the likely establishment of a mayoral strategic authority with substantial new powers and funding, OxRail 2040 lays the foundations for the future.”
