Where are we now?

A major upgrade of the existing railway line from Oxford to Bicester was completed in December 2016, and services are already running on this section of the line (operated by Chiltern Railways). The section between Bicester and Bletchley was rebuilt and completed on time and on budget and  handed over to Network Rail in December 2024 and is now part of the national rail network. Chiltern Railways was appointed as the operator of passenger services in 2025 and they’re now working closely with the Department of Transport (DfT) to finalise details regarding the introduction of services connecting Oxford and Milton Keynes. 

By 2030, following the introduction of services between Oxford and Milton Keynes, construction would begin on a new station at Tempsford, including platforms on the East Coast Main Line to serve the proposed new town. East West Rail platforms would follow in the mid-to-late 2030s. 

By the early 2030s, we would upgrade and electrify the Marston Vale Line, allowing up to four trains per hour between Oxford and Stewartby. This includes four modern, accessible stations, a new station at Stewartby serving the Universal resort, and improvements at Bletchley. Accelerating this work means services could be running within the first few years of the resort opening.

By the mid-2030s, we would deliver an upgraded Bedford station, supporting improved east-west and north-south connections and up to four trains per hour from the west. We would also provide a new entrance at Cambridge station and deliver the new Cambridge East station (subject to third-party funding), improving connectivity ahead of the introduction of full East West Rail services later in the decade.