Cambridge to Oxford corridor won't happen without East West Rail, claims boss
New stations and more trains have now been planned for the route
The boss of East West Rail (EWR) has said without the project, a growth corridor between Cambridge and Oxford wouldn't be possible.
New stations and more trains are planned to serve higher demand that officials are expecting for the Universal theme park near Bedford.
Bosses are speeding up some of its plans because of the building of the theme park.
"We're the glue that creates that (Oxford to Cambridge) corridor," David Hughes, chief executive at EWR, said.
"Why do successive governments back EWR? It's because they know the investment that comes into the Oxford-Cambridge region, (and that) if it doesn't come into this region, it doesn't go elsewhere in the UK."
What's the update?
Some of the key updates from EWR include:
• Up to five EWR trains an hour and longer trains proposed for the entire route to meet demand for Universal;
• A core service of four trains per hour across the whole route, with an additional fifth train running at peak times or all day if needed due to increased demand;
• Full upgrade of the Marston Vale Line including four new stations to be accelerated;
• A rebuilt Bedford station, including a new western entrance and extra platforms.
The latest details are part of a consultation set up by EWR on the project, before a Development Consent Order application to build the railway is submitted in 2027.
EWR want to use these plans to accelerate the delivery of the rail line in certain sections as soon as they are ready rather than waiting for the whole route to be built.
More jobs and affordable homes from EWR
"The industries we're talking about - AI, pharmaceuticals - if you talk with them, they're wholeheartedly behind EWR," Mr Hughes said.
"One of the key things we're trying to do with the railway is open up job opportunities in places to communities (along the route), so it's about connecting affordable housing to good-quality jobs.
"EWR is the thing that makes the Oxford to Cambridge corridor a reality; without EWR, there isn't a corridor."
The scheme is set to cost between £5-7bn to build, with the full railway line due to open in the mid to late 2030s, EWR said.
A consultation on the latest plans will run for eight weeks up until June 9, with a series of drop-in events being held in different locations along the route.
EWR plans are 'continuing progress'
Lord Peter Hendy, rail minister, said the plans will allow EWR to improve connectivity across the region as part of the Government's aims of driving economic growth nationally.
"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," he said.
Plans to build a new underpass at the London Road level crossing in Bicester and designs to support the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line in Oxford - as well as a new Cambridge East station - have also been earmarked.
Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she would be doubling the funding available to help buy land and improve infrastructure between Oxford and Cambridge from £400 million to £800m.
The move is part of Government plans to create Britain's own Silicon Valley.