East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has launched its latest public consultation, setting out updated proposals for the Oxford to Cambridge line, including faster delivery timelines, increased service frequency and revised station designs.
The consultation, which runs from 14 April to 9 June 2026, is the final route-wide engagement before a Development Consent Order application is submitted in 2027.
More frequent services and longer trains
Under the revised plans, the railway would support a core service of four trains per hour across the full route, with a fifth service operating at peak times or potentially throughout the day if demand requires.
Train lengths are also set to increase, with five-carriage trains proposed instead of four to accommodate higher passenger numbers.
Accelerated delivery and phased opening
A key change is the move to a phased delivery model, allowing sections of the railway and new stations to open as soon as they are ready rather than waiting for completion of the entire route.
This approach is intended to bring forward benefits for passengers and communities, while supporting housing growth and investment along the corridor.
Plans to connect the proposed new town of Tempsford have been brought forward by five years, with construction of a new station expected to begin by 2030. East West Rail services to the station would follow in the mid to late 2030s.
Major upgrades across the route
The consultation outlines a series of infrastructure upgrades and new stations across key parts of the line.
On the Marston Vale Line, upgrades including electrification and new stations at Stewartby, Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington will be accelerated. These changes would enable four trains per hour between Oxford and Stewartby by the early 2030s.
At Bedford, a rebuilt and expanded station is proposed, featuring a new western entrance, additional platforms, improved interchange facilities and a public plaza. Services are expected to extend to Bedford by the mid-2030s.
In Cambridge, plans include a new station at Cambridge East and an additional entrance at the existing station, improving access and connectivity across the city.
The full end-to-end service between Oxford and Cambridge, with up to five trains per hour, is expected to be operational by the mid to late 2030s.
Supporting growth and sustainability
The updated proposals also reflect anticipated demand linked to the planned Universal resort near Bedford, with provision for a station at Stewartby to serve the development.
Hybrid electric and battery-powered trains are proposed to operate on the route, supporting decarbonisation and net zero targets. Stations will be designed to integrate with bus, cycling and walking networks, alongside provision for taxis and parking.
Environmental measures include habitat creation, flood mitigation, noise reduction and landscape integration, alongside features such as green bridges to support wildlife movement.
Industry and government response
David Hughes, Chief Executive of East West Railway Company, said the updated plans would help deliver benefits sooner while supporting long-term growth.
“These proposals mark a major step forward for East West Rail to help ensure communities see the benefits of the project sooner as we finalise the design,” he said.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy added that the scheme would play a key role in unlocking growth across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and improving regional connectivity.
Feedback from the consultation will inform the final design ahead of the planned submission for development consent in 2027.
