Bold 15 year plan to improve rail transport in Oxfordshire is approved
Just weeks after it was announced that Oxford’s Cowley Branch Line would reopen to passengers, an ambitious plan to improve rail transport and connectivity across Oxfordshire and the wider region over the next 15 years has been approved.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today adopted the OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, which was developed with stakeholders, including the rail industry, and followed a public consultation.
OxRail 2040 proposes a wide range of interventions, but at the heart of it are four priorities that are critical to achieving the overarching vision of a modern, inclusive and sustainable railway:
- An Oxfordshire Metro: creating an integrated transport network that brings together rail, bus, walking and cycling in a better co-ordinated and seamless user-centred travel offer.
- Electrification: building a zero-carbon rail network for Oxfordshire, anchored by the ‘electric freight spine’.
- Oxford railway station: increasing capacity to support more services across the county, improving its mobility links and upgrading its appearance and facilities.
- Five proposed new stations: at Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke, Wantage & Grove and Ardley to support growth.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This is not simply a wish list. We have credible routes for the delivery of each of the proposals in OxRail 2040, and through the consultation we have received very positive feedback from key government and industry figures.
“While the government and train operators are responsible for rail infrastructure and passenger services, with private operators delivering rail freight, as the local transport and highways authority Oxfordshire County Council is a key stakeholder and partner in shaping the future of transport in the county.
“Since we started putting this plan together, we’ve had the announcement about government funding of the Cowley Branch Line, which shows the kind of investment we can generate when all the preparation and partnership working is in place when opportunities arise.”
Additional opportunities include continuing to support community rail initiatives and the need for a mass rapid transit option for the Oxford-Witney-Carterton corridor consistent with the emerging local plans for growth.
The plan also calls for the upgrading of rail lines to increase passenger services and support freight routes to remove HGVs from our roads.
Cllr Roberts added: “By shifting more freight to rail, we will ease congestion on major roads like the A34 and this in turn will reduce maintenance costs to the taxpayer and improve air quality.”
The continued development of East West Rail, proposals to upgrade of all the county’s existing 23 railway stations, and calls for the restoration of double track on the North Cotswold line to Hanborough are also among the priority projects highlighted in OxRail 2040.
The requirement to develop and adopt a new rail plan is set out in the council’s local transport and connectivity plan. It is also expected to help ensure the county is well placed to unlock funding opportunities for travel and growth when they arise.
Cllr Roberts said: “It demonstrates how we are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy.
“However, success in delivering these aims will depend on the government, the rail industry and our local communities collaborating with us and playing their part.
“With the move to a state owned Great British Railways encompassing track and train, and the likely establishment of a mayoral strategic authority with substantial new powers and funding, OxRail 2040 lays the foundations for the future.”
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