7.05.2026 /

East West Rail reports strong engagement as consultation nears half-way stage

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East West Rail reports strong engagement as consultation nears half-way stage

We are pleased to report strong engagement in our latest consultation on our updated proposals for the railway which will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

Since launching on 14 April, more than 1,700 people have attended online and in-person events, while over 1,000 feedback forms have been submitted. The consultation website has recorded almost 30,000 page views, with over 3,600 views of our interactive map registered and more than 780 visits made to our virtual consultation room.

We are encouraging people to attend one of our remaining eight events to learn more about our updated proposals, talk to our experts and provide feedback to help shape the project’s final design before formal approval is sought in 2027.

Our latest proposals include plans for an accelerated construction programme aimed at delivering the benefits of the railway sooner, as well as the introduction of up to five trains an hour using longer five-car trains. The increased capacity reflects rising future demand, including from the planned Universal resort development.

The consultation runs until the 9th of June.

*Consultation events  

The remaining consultation events will take place at the following locations:  

Date 

Venue 

Tuesday 12th May  

11am-6pm 

The King’s Centre 
Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES 

Thurs 14th May 

2pm-7pm  

Lidlington Village Hall 
High Street, Lidlington, Bedford, MK43 0RN 

Friday 15th May 

2pm-7pm 

Longueville Hall 
Whaddon Road, Newton Longville,  

Milton Keynes, MK17 0AT 

Monday 18th May 

11am-6pm 

Venture Conferencing, 

Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, 

Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG 

Thursday 21st May  

11am-6pm 

Cambridge United Football Club 

Cledara Abbey Stadium,  

Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8LN 

Saturday 23rd May  

11am-6pm 

King's House 
245 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9AZ 

Saturday 30th May 

11am-6pm 

Cambridge Belfry Hotel, 

Back Lane, Great Cambourne, 

Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6BW 

Tuesday 2nd June 

10am-12pm 

Online webinar: https://shorturl.at/ljyQ0