East West Rail Company (EWR Co) has unveiled plans to electrify the Oxford to Cambridge rail route, preferring a hybrid battery-electric approach with discontinuous electrification.

The organisation also announced a 10-week public consultation starting on 14 November 2024, to gather feedback on its plans. The consultation aims to engage communities along the route to shape the final design of the railway.

EWR’s preferred electrification approach involves selective installation of overhead lines along portions of the line, reducing both construction impact and visual disruption while cutting costs compared to full electrification.

This setup, combined with hybrid battery-electric trains, is expected to significantly reduce emissions while supporting the UK’s shift to net zero.

The consultation will present various project elements for public review, including:

• A new rail line between Bedford and Cambridge
• Upgrades to the existing track between Oxford and Bedford
• Plans for new or improved stations
• Proposed service schedules and level crossings
• Commitments to environmental impact reduction and biodiversity net gain