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Written question asked by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 September 2025. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Thursday, 18 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


East West Rail Line

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she expects the first phase of East-West Rail to open this year; and what her Department's planned timetable is for the opening of the (a) Bletchley to Bedford and (b) Bedford to Cambridge sections.

Answer

The Department is working closely with Chiltern and other partners to confirm a start date for the service. We are looking forward to commencing services as soon as all necessary approvals and infrastructure are in place. Passenger services will commence once train testing and driver training have been completed. As for the second and third connections phases; the Government has committed to accelerating work to deliver EWR services between Oxford-Bedford. The full Oxford-Cambridge service is subject to an application for a Development Consent Order and is planned to commence from the mid-2030s.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
76304
Session
2024-26
Related items
East West Rail Line
Monday, 27 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
East West Rail line
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk