A proposal East West Rail would see a new train service launched across Bedfordshire and into Hertfordshire.

Plans include a new line, which aims to connect Cambridge and Oxford via Bedford, Milton Keynes and Bicester.

The proposed East West Rail map.The proposed East West Rail map. (Image: East West Rail)New stations would be built at Winslow, Tempsford and Cambourne - and Bedford St Johns station would be moved closer to Bedford hospital.

Commuters from Letchworth, Baldock and Hitchin would have access to the line from the new Tempsford Station - between St Neots and Sandy - rather than having to make the journey to London to make the connection. 

Trains will run directly to Bedford, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Winslow, Bicester, Oxford and then down to the Great Western Mainline.

The route would also allow passengers to connect with the East Coast Mainline and Midland Mainline.

A full timetable has not yet been finalised, but the service is believed to cut journey times to under 45 minutes from Oxford to Milton Keynes, and provide a 35 minute train between Bedford and Cambridge.

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A spokesperson for East West Rail commented: "The vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge combine beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage with world-famous centres of education, life sciences, technology and an increasingly dynamic business scene."

In the latest update, the railway company are launching a public consultation tomorrow.

A statement on its website read: "From November 14, we’ll run a 10-week non-statutory consultation, which will invite feedback from communities along the route, providing a crucial opportunity for people to have their say on the latest plans and help shape the future design of the railway. "

Find out more here: https://eastwestrail.co.uk/news/latest-stories/plans-for-powering-trains-and-details-of-our-upcoming-consultation