East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has launched its final route-wide consultation, setting out updated proposals for the railway that will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge ahead of submitting a Development Consent Order (DCO) in 2027.
The latest plans introduce a significantly accelerated construction and delivery strategy, enabling sections of the railway and new stations to open as soon as they are ready, rather than waiting for the entire route to be completed. This marks a shift from the previously proposed connection stages to a phased delivery model, designed to bring benefits to communities earlier and support growth across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor.
Faster delivery and up to five trains per hour
EWR Co now proposes a core service of four trains per hour across the full route, with a fifth train at peak times or potentially all day, subject to demand. This additional service could also support extensions beyond the EWR route onto the wider rail network. To meet forecast growth, particularly linked to major developments along the line, five‑car trains are now proposed instead of four.
The revised timetable reflects anticipated increases in passenger demand, including travel generated by the proposed Universal entertainment resort near Bedford, with plans now including a new station at Stewartby to directly serve the site.
Phased delivery aligned with growth and investment
The updated proposals are designed to unlock housing, jobs and investment sooner by allowing communities to grow around infrastructure as it is delivered.
Key elements include:
Tempsford
Plans to connect the proposed new town of Tempsford to the rail network will be brought forward by five years. Construction of a new station is now expected to begin by 2030, providing early access to north–south East Coast Main Line services, with EWR platforms following in the mid to late 2030s. The station would include a new southern entrance and a new underpass beneath the A421, improving connectivity for active travel and buses.
Marston Vale Line
Upgrades to the Marston Vale Line will be accelerated, including track improvements, electrification, and four trains per hour between Oxford and Stewartby by the early 2030s. Proposals include:
- A new station at Stewartby to serve the Universal resort
- Three new fully accessible stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington
Fast‑tracking this section will allow EWR trains to serve the resort with four trains per hour within its first few years of operation, reducing reliance on coach shuttles from Milton Keynes.
Bedford
Delivery of a brand-new station in Bedford, including a new western entrance, will also be brought forward. The station is intended to act as a regenerated gateway to the town, providing full connectivity in all directions. Services between Oxford and Stewartby would be extended to Bedford by the mid‑2030s.
Cambridge
In Cambridge, proposals include a new entrance at Cambridge station and the delivery of Cambridge East, which will open early to support other services, including Greater Anglia trains to Ipswich, ahead of the full launch of East West Rail.
Once complete, Cambridge would benefit from stations to the north, south, east, west (Cambourne) and in the city centre.
Net zero, modern stations and environmental enhancement
The railway will be operated by hybrid electric and battery-equipped trains, supporting decarbonisation and UK net zero goals. Stations are being designed as multi‑modal hubs, integrating buses, active travel, taxis and parking, with improved accessibility for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Environmental proposals include habitat creation, flood mitigation, noise barriers, green bridges, landscape integration and reduced cutting and embankment heights to strengthen green infrastructure along the route.
Industry and stakeholder reaction
David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company, said:
“These updated 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. Faster delivery, more frequent services and new stations will help unlock housing, support new jobs and attract investment, while giving residents and businesses better connections between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
“By bringing forward key elements of the railway and planning for increased demand, we are helping to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support future growth and opportunities for our communities. I encourage residents, businesses and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and share their views on our latest plans.”
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:
“East West Rail will unlock the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, providing greater connectivity across the region and delivering on our Plan for Change mission to drive economic growth, jobs and homes. This consultation reflects continuing progress on the final design for this critical railway and another step forward to delivering the benefits of this project to a multitude of individuals, local communities and businesses.”
Gidon Freeman, Vice-President, External Affairs, Universal Destinations and Experiences, said:
“One of the reasons we selected our site for a new entertainment resort complex featuring a world class theme park is its central location and excellent transport links. East West Rail can further improve that connectivity - its proposed station by Universal would enhance guest and team member arrival with a new link to our resort from across the Ox-Cam Corridor.”
Dr Andy Williams, Chair, Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, said:
"East West Rail will greatly improve connectivity between Oxford, Cambridge and the towns in between, stimulating the flow of talented people, innovation and investment needed to secure the UK's position as a global science supercluster. It will boost business confidence in the region, providing opportunities to expand to other locations along the route, such as Bedford and Milton Keynes, and connecting a region of 3.5 million people ready to compete with other global superclusters like Silicon Valley.”
Consultation details
The eight‑week consultation runs from 14 April to 9 June 2026, with public drop‑in events taking place across the route. Feedback will inform the final design ahead of the DCO submission in 2027.
Image credits: East West Rail
