Media centre

Tuesday 9 Jan 2018

Have your say on plans to transform east-west rail services

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

The views of residents, businesses and passengers are being sought over the next four weeks on plans to continue the transformation of east-west rail services between Oxford, Bicester and Bedford and Milton Keynes and Aylesbury.

Since the last round of consultation in July and August 2017, there have been a number of changes to the East West Rail Phase 2 project in certain areas. Everyone is invited to comment on the proposals and we’re holding events where the project has seen the greatest changes.

The third round of consultation will run from 12 January until 9 February and is an opportunity for all to help shape its future development.

The drop in events take place at the following lcoations:
- 15 January 2018, 10am-3pm: Twyford Village Hall, The Knob, Twyford, MK18 4EG
- 16 January 2018, 12-8pm: Charndon Community Centre, Charndon Playing Fields, Steeple Claydon Road, OX27 0BL
- 17 January 2018, 12-8pm: Public Hall, Elmfields Gate, MK18 3JG
- 18 January 2018, 11-5pm: Longueville Hall, Whaddon Road, Newton Longville, MK17 OAT
- 19 January 2018, 12-8pm: Sports and Social Club, Bicester Road, Launton, OX26 5DP

Dominic Baldwin, Network Rail’s project director for East West Rail, said: “We want as many people as possible to engage with our plans which will make travel across Britain easier. I would urge anyone who has an interest in this investment in the railway to make their voices heard.”

Councillor Mark Shaw, chairman of the East West Rail Consortium’s Western Section board, said: “As with most major infrastructure projects, East West Rail’s design has evolved over time, reflecting feedback from the previous consultation while ensuring the scheme gives taxpayers the best value for money.

“It is therefore only right that a further consultation is held so residents have a chance to understand these changes and their impact on the scheme’s construction and operation. This is particularly the case for those living between Bicester and Winslow where all of the significant changes have been made since the previous consultation.”

The East West Rail project will make cross country travel easier, re-establishing a rail link between Cambridge and Oxford to improve connections between East Anglia and central, southern and western England.

Phase 2 of the western section of the project will introduce rail passenger services between Bedford and Oxford, Milton Keynes and Oxford, and Milton Keynes and Aylesbury with connections via Amersham or Princes Risborough to London Marylebone. It will mean passengers can make the journey between Bedford and Oxford without having to travel in and out of London.

The work is being funded by the Department for Transport with a contribution from the East West Rail Consortium*.

Anyone who is not able to make one of the drop-in sessions in person can still have their say by:
• Visiting: www.ewrconsultation.co.uk or www.networkrail.co.uk/east-west-rail  
• Emailing: ewrconsultation@networkrail.co.uk  
• Writing to: FREEPOST EAST WEST RAIL CONSULTATION (must be in capitals)