East West Rail Company (EWR Co) has announced its electrification plans and a public consultation on the latest designs for the highly anticipated East West Rail project. This new railway will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge, significantly improving regional connectivity.
The 10-week non-statutory consultation, running from November 14, 2024, to January 24, 2025, provides communities along the route with a crucial opportunity to shape the future of the railway.
Sustainable Electrification with Public Input
Following government support confirmed in the recent budget, EWR Co prioritises green traction power by implementing a “discontinuous electrification” strategy. This approach utilises hybrid battery-electric trains and strategically placed overhead lines, minimising disruption and visual impact in sensitive locations along the Bedford-Cambridge stretch. This option not only reduces carbon emissions but also keeps costs and land use for infrastructure lower.
More Than Electrification: A Comprehensive Vision
Beyond electrification, the consultation will offer insights into the project’s broader vision, including:
- A brand-new railway connecting Bedford and Cambridge
- Upgrades to the existing Oxford-Bedford line
- New stations and enhancements to existing ones
- Proposed service schedules
- Level crossing plans
- Environmental impact mitigation strategies, including a commitment to net biodiversity gain
David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “We’re excited to confirm our plans for electrification, which support our environmental goals by delivering sustainable low carbon journeys and supporting the UK’s transition to an overall net zero carbon economy.
“This consultation is a pivotal moment in our journey to create a railway that truly serves the needs of our communities and delivers sustainable growth for the region and the whole country by improving access to jobs, education and public services.
“East West Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect communities across the Oxford-Cambridge region. We invite everyone to take part in our consultation and share their feedback on our proposals to create a positive legacy for future generations who will live and work in the area.”
Engaging the Public for a Positive Legacy
To ensure comprehensive public participation, EWR Co will host consultation events at various locations throughout the route, including weekends and online options, alongside a Virtual Consultation Room accessible 24/7. All information and feedback channels will be accessible online for those unable to attend in person.
The consultation was rescheduled from its original summer 2024 date due to the General Election. While it includes the Christmas and New Year period, the extended timeframe ensures ample opportunity for public engagement. The consultation period has been further extended by two weeks to conclude on January 24th, 2025.
Get Involved and Shape the Future
For detailed information on the consultation and how to participate, please visit the East West Rail consultation webpage or contact their helpdesk at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk.
| Time/date | Day | Location | Address |
| 19-Nov-24 2pm-7pm | Tuesday | Oxford | Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX |
| 20-Nov-24 2.30pm-4.30pm | Wednesday | Online webinar | |
| 21-Nov-24 2pm-7pm | Thursday | Bicester | John Paul II Centre The Causeway, Bicester, OX26 6DY |
| 26-Nov-24 2pm-7pm | Tuesday | Steeple Claydon | Steeple Claydon Village Hall Queen Catherine Road, Steeple Claydon, Buckingham, MK18 2PY |
| 30-Nov-24 12pm-5pm | Saturday | Bedford | The Grand Hall, The Sixth Form, Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2BS |
| 3-Dec-24 2pm-7pm | Tuesday | Cambourne | Cambridge Belfry, Back Lane, Great Cambourne, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6BW |
| 6-Dec-24 2pm-7pm | Friday | Lidlington | Lidlington Village Hall, High Street, Lidlington, MK43 0RT |
| 9-Dec-24 2pm-7pm | Monday | Bedford | Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa, The Embankment, Bedfod, MK40 1RW |
| 10-Dec-24 6pm-8pm | Tuesday | Online webinar | |
| 11-Dec-24 2pm-7pm | Wednesday | Wilden | Wilden Village Hall 2 High Street, Wilden, Bedford, MK44 2PB |
| 13-Dec-24 2pm-7pm | Friday | Tempsford | Stuart Memorial Hall, Church Street, Tempsford, Sandy, SG19 2AW |
| 7-Jan-25 2pm-7pm | Tuesday | St Neots | St Neots Town Football Club, 5 Kester Way, St Neots, PE19 6SL |
| 9-Jan-25 10am-12pm | Thursday | Online webinar | |
| 10-Jan-25 2pm-7pm | Friday | Comberton | Comberton Village Hall, Village Hall, Green End, Comberton, Cambridge, CB23 7DY |
| 15-Jan-25 2pm-7pm | Wednesday | Bletchley | Bletchley Masonic Centre 263 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2BZ |
| 17-Jan-25 2pm-7pm | Friday | Woburn Sands | The Summerlin Centre, 138 Station Road, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, MK17 8SG |
| 18-Jan-25 12pm-5pm | Saturday | Cambridge | The Clayton Hotel, 27-29 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2FB |
| 21-Jan-25 2pm-7pm | Tuesday | Cherry Hinton | St Andrew’s Church, Coldhams Lane, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, CB1 3JS |
Image Credit: East West Rail
