Plans have been published for a new rail service linking Oxford and Cambridge to improve connections between East Anglia and central, southern and western England.
Bedford lies at the heart of this route.
The case for east-west rail through central Bedford focuses on three key benefits:
- Excellent connectivity - locally, nationally and internationally
- Creating an international business hub
- Regeneration - boosting jobs and the local economy
Consultation 2021
The East West Rail Company (EWR) has launched a consultation on their proposals for the route their railway will take through Bedford Borough. You can read more about this here.
Consultation 2019
EWR carried out their consultation into route corridor options for the section of railway between Bedford and Cambridge in early 2019. You can read our response to that consultation and view technical documents here:
Our response: March 2019
- Response document 11 March 2019
- Bedford Borough Council covering letter 27 March 2019
- BBC Technical Response 1-2 Issue, March 2019
- Extracts of technical drawings
East West Rail and international connectivity
East West Rail plans present an excellent opportunity to not only connect the centre of Bedford with Oxford and Cambridge, but also to enhance our international connectivity. Securing east-west rail through Bedford is vital to creating opportunities not only as a key transport hub for both Bedford and the wider national transport network but also in providing key growth and vitality.
The east-west rail investment delivers infrastructure that could enable direct rail services from Bedford Midland to Heathrow and Stansted Airports, linking Bedford with the global economy and international business.
With Bedford’s strategic location on the rail network, it will have fast and frequent services linking regional, national and international economies. It could also have direct rail links to the UK’s two largest airports, and three other international airports. As such, no other town will be better connected to UK airports and international businesses. East-west rail presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to locate Bedford at the centre of an international and national transport hub. Achieving this will re-establish Bedford on the inter-city network, reversing recent changes and optimising travel north, south, east and west of Bedford.
Bedford Midland 'International Business Hub'
Bedford Midland station is perfectly placed to become a transformative rail hub, central to the success of east-west rail.
New services to Oxford and Cambridge, with the potential to extend these East and West to Heathrow Airport and Stansted Airport, will deliver greater access to highly skilled jobs in the research, engineering, education, health and technology sectors.
Bedford's rail hub can connect businesses and attract inward investment to the town as well as supporting the growth of neighbouring towns and cities, through transforming rail travel. New journey opportunities will be possible, and the east-west rail route can provide a realistic alternative to car travel, reducing carbon emissions.
With the work proposed as part of the 'One Public Estate' programme, Bedford Midland will see investment in new car parking and better access.
East-west rail provides the opportunity to create the station as a 'rail hub', due to its close proximity to the historic town centre and its integrated transport connectivity. The station is centrally located, serving end to end journeys, whatever the preferred mode of transport, with rail, taxis, buses, cycling and walking and of course car parking being catered for.
Improved transport connectivity, stimulated by the East West Rail project, will support the regeneration of Bedford town centre, boosting jobs and the local economy and create a 'Place' for people to meet, relax, do business and thrive.
Ambitious for Bedford
Rail connectivity is important to the economic growth of the borough. It provides businesses with connections to a larger network and allows local people to access jobs. Recent studies have shown how important rail connections are for local growth and are a key consideration for business investment.
Studies have shown that an hourly service between Oxford and Cambridge, stopping in Bedford, would provide £10m per year to the economy and create 220 new jobs.
Contact us
Email rail@bedford.gov.uk
Transport Policy
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford MK42 9AP
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