Plans to electrify a railway line that will connect Oxford to Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge have been announced.

East West Rail has confirmed its preference for hybrid battery-electric trains creating discontinuous electrification along the route.

The company said that as well as the environmental benefits, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would significantly reduce disruption while the railway is being constructed. 

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It added that full electrifying the route would be more costly, as current structures would need to be altered and more land would be required for mast foundations.

This comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged her support for the project in the Budget yesterday (Wednesday, October 30).

The company have also released the details of a 10-week public consultation that will allow residents to have their say.

The consultation will outline the designs for Oxford Station, Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.

It will also lay out plans for level crossings, essential upgrades to the existing line between Oxford and Bedford, proposed service patterns as well as environmental and biodiversity considerations.  

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The CEO of East West Rail, David Hughes, said: "We're excited to confirm our plans for electrification, which support our environmental goals by delivering sustainable low carbon journeys and supporting the UK's transition to an overall net zero carbon economy.  

“This consultation is a pivotal moment in our journey to create a railway that truly serves the needs of our communities and delivers sustainable growth for the region and the whole country by improving access to jobs, education and public services.

"East West Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect communities across the Oxford-Cambridge region. We invite everyone to take part in our consultation and share their feedback on our proposals to create a positive legacy for future generations who will live and work in the area.” 

The consultations happening in the Oxford area will take place Tuesday, November 19 at Oxford Town Hall and Thursday, November 21 at the John Paul II Centre in Bicester.

Both consultations will last from 2pm-7pm, and can also be accessed virtually.

The consultation was supposed to take place in the summer but was postponed due to the General Election.