East West Railway Company has outlined updated proposals for the East West Rail project, including a revised construction timetable, increased service frequency, and changes to station design along the route.
The plans have been presented alongside a new public consultation, detailing the development of the East West Rail project, linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
The consultation runs from 14 April to 9 June 2026 and is described as the final route-wide engagement before the formal application process. The company then plans to submit a Development Consent Order application in 2027.
Under the revised proposals, up to five trains an hour could operate along the full route, with a core service of four trains per hour and a fifth running during peak periods or as demand requires. Trains are also expected to be longer, increasing from four to five carriages to accommodate projected passenger growth.
A change to the delivery strategy would see the railway constructed in phases, allowing sections to open as they are completed rather than waiting for the entire line. The approach is intended to bring services into use earlier in certain areas and support development around new and existing stations.
Among the proposed changes is the acceleration of plans for Tempsford, where a new station is now expected to begin construction by 2030. The station would provide connections to the East Coast Main Line, with east–west services following later in the decade. Additional access, including a southern entrance and improved links across the A421, is also included.
Furthermore, upgrades to the Marston Vale Line are set to be brought forward, with electrification, track improvements and four trains per hour between Oxford and Stewartby expected by the early 2030s. A new station at Stewartby is proposed to serve a planned entertainment resort near Bedford, alongside new stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington.
In Bedford, a rebuilt station is proposed with extra platforms, a western entrance, improved transport links and a new public space. The upgraded station is expected to support extended services from Oxford by the mid-2030s.
Further east, changes in Cambridge include a new station at Cambridge East and an additional entrance at the existing station. These developments are intended to integrate with other rail services and improve access across the city.
The full end-to-end service between Oxford and Cambridge, operating at up to five trains per hour, is scheduled to be in place by the mid to late 2030s.
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.
The railway is planned to use hybrid electric and battery-powered trains, with the aim of reducing emissions. Environmental measures outlined in the consultation include habitat creation, flood mitigation, and the development of green corridors and landscaping along the route.
However, the project has previously been criticised over the decision not to electrify the full route, as well as its potential environmental impact, particularly concerning biodiversity and local ecosystems. Read more about the debate here.
Stations across the network are expected to incorporate facilities for buses, cycling and walking, along with improved access for passengers using different modes of transport.
The consultation includes updated design materials, including visualisations and route animations. Feedback received during the consultation period will be used to inform the final design before submission of the planning application.
Members of the public can submit responses online, by email, or by attending a series of events taking place along the proposed route.
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.
Phased Delivery Timeline
The consultation sets out a staged timeline for construction and service introduction across the route.
By 2030, construction is expected to begin on a new station at Tempsford, including platforms on the East Coast Main Line to provide north–south connections for the proposed new town. East West Rail platforms would follow in the mid to late 2030s. Increased capacity on services from the west to Milton Keynes is also planned, where a coach shuttle is expected to link passengers to a new entertainment resort.
By the early 2030s, the Marston Vale Line is due to be upgraded and electrified, allowing four trains per hour to run between Oxford and Stewartby. Four accessible stations are planned, including a new station at Stewartby to serve the resort, along with improvements to Bletchley station. These works are intended to align rail services with anticipated visitor demand.
By the mid-2030s, an upgraded Bedford station is expected to be completed, providing enhanced facilities and improved interchange between north–south and east–west services. Up to four trains per hour from the west would serve Bedford. In Cambridge, a new station entrance and the completion of Cambridge East station—subject to third-party funding—would allow other services to operate there ahead of East West Rail.
By the mid to late 2030s, the full route between Oxford and Cambridge is planned to be operational. This includes completion of the new section between Bedford and Cambridge and the opening of all new stations, with full train services in operation across the line.
Growth vs. Green? The Environmental Debate around East West Rail
