"This is one of the most detailed reports yet provided by East West Rail, and provides further confidence the route will soon see the light of day."
The East West Railway Company has published a new You Said, We Did report which unveils major updates to plans for the new rail line linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. These changes have been informed by thousands of public responses and detailed technical work. Separately, this morning there have been media reports regarding the delay in opening the Oxford-Milton Keynes section of East West Rail.
In response, Chair of England's Economic Heartland, Cllr Adam Zerny, said: "This is one of the most detailed reports yet provided by East West Rail, and provides further confidence the route will soon see the light of day. While it will take time to digest the detail of what is being proposed, we support the East West Railway Company’s decision to incorporate a new station in Cambridge and the Cowley Branch line, into its designs. The new eastern entrances for Bletchley and Cambridge stations will also play a key role integrating into and regenerating their surrounding areas. We note that several initiatives are ‘subject to third party funding’ – EEH will do everything it can to support partners secure this and ensure momentum is maintained.
“The revised proposals demonstrate the importance of East West Rail being part of a wider, integrated transport system, which includes improved bus services and active travel. For example, it is crucial that the consolidated stations along the Marston Vale enjoy best-in-class connectivity with their surrounding areas. Improved integration will maximise the benefits of East West Rail throughout the region, and is something EEH has a laser-focus on achieving.
“Given the importance of East West Rail, it is no surprise that more than 6,000 people responded to the consultation which took place around a year ago. We should not forget that East West Rail’s progress owes much to the determination of local authorities, communities and businesses who fought for the line to be built, many years before the establishment of the East West Railway Company. East West Rail must remain true to those communities and also bring economic growth for the region. While the new Infrastructure and Planning legislation may remove the need for statutory consultation, it is vital that the Company continues to engage meaningfully with local communities and other organisations, as its proposals further develop.
“Progress is clearly being made on the future sections of East West Rail, however it is hugely frustrating that the start of passenger services between Oxford and Milton Keynes – for which track was completed a year ago – has been delayed. The longer the delay, the longer it will take for businesses and members of the public to benefit. I will be writing to Chiltern and the Secretary of State urging they do all in their powers to get services up and running as soon as possible.”
