Message from: EastWest Rail

Welcome to the Easter edition of You Connected

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the House of Commons, Transport Committee where I was asked to provide an update on the progress of East West Rail (EWR). Speaking and taking questions alongside myself were representatives the Oxford-Cambridge Science Supercluster Board, England’s Economic Heartland and the Mayor of Bedford. I spoke about the potential EWR has to connect vital workforce hubs and boost the country’s economic competitiveness.

A similar economic transformation has been seen on the reopened Borders Railway in Scotland where passenger numbers are almost triple initial forecasts. This project was also mentioned positively in the Transport Committee meeting and has been lauded for increasing business investment, driving town centre footfall, boosting tourism and improving work and leisure opportunities. We recognise that EWR has the same potential to revitalise towns and stimulate economic activity and we are committed to delivering similar benefits to communities along the EWR route.

I hope you enjoy reading more about these topics in the rest of the newsletter, which also includes details of the completion of track work between Bicester and Bletchley. This now paves the way for passenger services to begin next year. You can also find out more about our nine drop-in events ahead of our first statutory consultation which begins in June this year.

I look forward to sharing further updates with you in our summer newsletter.

Nine community conversation events scheduled ahead of first stage of statutory consultation