East West Railway Company

East West Rail (EWR) is undertaking the development of a new railway line to connect Oxford and Cambridge, addressing a critical infrastructure gap in a key economic corridor.

This initiative aims to significantly improve regional connectivity, linking communities and providing access to major north-south rail lines and, via connecting services, five international airports.

The project directly tackles the issue of lengthy and unreliable travel times between significant regional hubs such as Milton Keynes, Bedford, Oxford, and Cambridge, which currently suffer from road congestion and limited public transport alternatives.

EWR is designed to offer an affordable, reliable, and faster public transport solution.

A core objective is environmental sustainability, with the railway aspiring to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and reduce travel-related carbon output by up to two-thirds compared to equivalent car journeys.

Beyond transportation, East West Rail is projected to stimulate substantial economic development and create new opportunities, both during its construction phase and once operational.

The East West Railway Company, with the Department for Transport as its main shareholder, is responsible for delivering this project.

Emphasis is placed on cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility to ensure prudent use of taxpayer investment.

The railway is expected to enhance quality of life by providing easier access to employment, education, essential public services, and facilitating social connections for residents in the region.

Keywords: Railway infrastructure, Oxford-Cambridge Arc, regional connectivity, public transport, net-zero carbon, economic development, sustainable travel, Department for Transport, passenger rail, infrastructure project