The Anonymous Widower

East West Rail Unveils Next Phase For Oxford-Cambridge Growth

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from the UK Government.

These three bullet points act as sub-headings.

  • more frequent trains on the horizon for millions of passengers between Oxford and Cambridge as multibillion pound East West Rail project confirms next steps 
  • new rail station set to help serve upcoming Universal theme park in Bedford, as well as improvements planned for several existing stations  
  • new route delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, unlocking £6.7 billion of regional economic growth and delivering up to 100,000 new homes

These two introductory paragraphs make a few general points about the overall project, housing and jobs.

Millions of people across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor are set to benefit from more frequent trains as the East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has revealed the next steps for the second phase of the project today (19 November 2025).

As one of Britain’s largest transport projects, East West Rail forms a cornerstone of the government’s Plan for Change, unlocking £6.7 billion of regional economic growth by 2050, enabling up to 100,000 new homes and supporting tens of thousands of new jobs along the route.

These sections make some more  detailed points.

How Many Permanent Staff Will Be Employed At Universal Studios Bedford?

As many will want to live locally, this will surely encourage many to use the trains on the East-West Rail to travel to work, so this will be an important factor.

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.

Universal Studios plans to employ 8,000 permanent staff at its new resort in Bedford. This number is part of an overall total of approximately 28,000 jobs, which includes 20,000 jobs during the construction phase.

My project management knowledge is telling me that the station should be built before the theme park.

How Many Daily Visitors Are Expected At Universal Studios Bedford?

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.

The Universal Studios theme park in Bedford is expected to have 55,000 visitors on peak days from its launch, based on its plan to handle 8.5 million annual visitors. The project, planned to open in 2031, is expected to attract 8.5 million annual visitors in its first year, with numbers rising to 12 million within 20 years.

I would expect a large number of visitors and staff will probably be encouraged to come by train, just as they are at some Premier League football stadiums.

Will Universal Studios Bedford Be Marketed As A Low Carbon Theme Park?

I’m asking this question, as it seems, the railway is being upgraded make this easier.

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.

Yes, it appears Universal Studios Bedford will be marketed as having a low-carbon focus, as evidenced by its planning applications that highlight sustainability efforts. The project outlines include goals for water conservation, energy reduction and clean energy use, waste minimization, and the use of low-carbon materials, all of which will likely be part of the marketing narrative for the theme park, according to LinkedIn.

How Many Car Parking Spaces Will Be Provided At Universal Studios Bedford?

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.

The Universal Studios resort planned for Bedford will include a minimum of 7,106 parking spaces and 100 coach bays. The resort is also expected to have 250 cycle spaces and enough room for over 7,100 cars

That is a lot of car parking spaces. Hopefully, there will be a lot of car charging points.

 

Increased Train Frequency And Capacity

These two paragraphs from the press release, talk about increased train frequency and capacity.

Following extensive consultation with local communities, the multi-billion-pound project has confirmed it is exploring a series of transformative plans including increasing the proposed frequency of trains from 3 or 4 to up to 5 per hour.

These enhancements could provide up to 70% more seating across the route, easing overcrowding and speeding up boarding, as well as cutting average waiting times, improving service resilience and creating a smoother, more reliable passenger experience.

When you consider that London Overground, Merseytravel, the South Wales Metro, West Midlands Trains and other local lines in the UK consider than four trains per hour to be a minimum service, then five trains per hour is to be welcomed.

Station Improvements And New Stations

These two paragraphs from the press release, talk about station improvements and new stations..

Several other improvements across the route have also been confirmed, including new station entrances at Bletchley, Cambridge and Bedford, as well as four brand-new stations along the Marston Vale Line – the first significant investment since the 1960s.

With the current stations on the Marston Vale Line seeing some of the lowest usage in the country, the new stations will better serve local communities by providing faster, more frequent services, as well as helping to serve the upcoming Universal theme park.

I thought Bletchley, Cambridge and Bedford stations had already been substantially improved in recent years.

A New Station At Stewartby

Are the station improvements to upgrade public transport access to the Universal theme park at Stewartby station?

  • An East-West Rail service between Oxford and Stansted Airport via Bletchley, Milton Keynes Central, Stewartby, Bedford and Cambridge would give the Universal theme park all-important airport access.
  • Would an upgraded Bletchley station improve interchange between the West Coast Main Line and East-West Rail give better access to the theme park from London, the West Midlands and North-West for visitors?
  • Would an upgraded Bedford station improve interchange between the Midland Main Line and East-West Rail give better access to the theme park from London, the East Midlands and North-East for visitors?
  • An upgraded Bedford station could also be marketed as a zero-carbon route between the theme park and the Continent via St. Pancras International and Eurostar.
  • Would an upgraded Cambridge station give better access to the theme park from the East of England?

In addition four new stations on the Marston Vale Line would improve access for visitors and staff, who live locally.

Will Battery-Electric Trains Be Used On The East-West Rail?

As five major East-West Rail stations; Bedford, Bletchley, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Reading are substantially served by main line electric trains, and it is likely that more stations will be in future, I believe that East-West Rail must either be electrified or services should be run by battery-electric trains, which would enable zero-carbon rail routes to and from London and all the city’s airports, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and an increasing number of cities  in the North and Midlands of England, and Scotland and Wales.

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.

Yes, the East West Rail (EWR) project plans to use battery-electric trains as part of a discontinuous electrification strategy. This means trains will run on overhead electric power in sections where they are installed, and on onboard batteries in other sections of the route.

It does appear that discontinuous electrification and battery-electric trains will be used.

Electrification At Bedford Station

This OpenRailwayMap shows The East side of Bedford station.

Note.

  1. The red tracks are electrified and black tracks are not.
  2. The black track looping into the station from the East is the Marston Vale Line, which will connect the East-West Rail to Bedford station.
  3. At the Easternmost part of the curve is Bedford St. Johns station, which serves Bedford hospital.
  4. The Marston Vale Line services normally connect to Platform 1A at Bedford station.
  5. But it also appears trains can also use Platforms 1 and 2 at Bedford station.
  6. It also appears that that Platforms 1A, 1 and 2 are all electrified.

This picture confirms electrification in Platforms 1A and 1.

Note.

  1. Platform 1A is on the left.
  2. Platform 1 is on the right.
  3. The Thameslink train on the right is in Platform 2.
  4. Platforms 1A, 1 and 2 are all clearly electrified.
  5. Platform 1A is 81 metres long, so could accept a typical four-coach train.

Battery-electric trains with pantographs could certainly by charged in either of these two platforms at Bedford station.

Electrification At Milton Keynes Central Station

It would appear that East-West Rail services will use Platform 2A at Milton Keynes Central station.

This OpenRailwayMap shows Platform 2A at Milton Keynes Central station.

Note.

  1. The red tracks are electrified and black tracks are not.
  2. Platform 1 is the through platform on the North-East side of the station.
  3. Platform 2A is the bay platform tucked underneath Platform 1.
  4. Platform 2A is clearly electrified.
  5. Platform 2A is 124 metres long, so could accept a typical five or six-coach train.

These pictures show Platforms 1 and 2A at Milton Keynes Central station.

Battery-electric trains with pantographs could certainly by charged in Platform 2A at Milton Keynes Central station.

Electrification At Oxford Station

It would appear that terminating East-West Rail services will use Platform 1 or 2 at Oxford station.

This OpenRailwayMap shows the platforms at Oxford station.

Note.

  1. The red and black tracks are to be electrified and black tracks are not.
  2. Platforms 1 and 2 are shown in black and are likely to be used by terminating East-West Rail trains.
  3. Platforms 1 and 2 would need to be electrified to be able to charge trains.
  4. Platforms 1 and 2 would also be used by Chiltern’s London services.
  5. Platform 1 and 2 are respectively 157 and 160 metres long, so could accept a typical five or six-coach train.
  6. As Oxford and Reading is to be electrified, through East-West Rail trains could use that electrification to travel to and from Reading.

These pictures show Platforms 1 and 2 at Oxford station.

Battery-electric trains with pantographs could certainly by charged in Platform 1 and 2 at Oxford station, if the platforms were electrified.

Electrification At Reading Station

The West-facing platforms at Reading station are all electrified and longer than 120 metres, so could accept a typical four or five-coach train.

What Trains Should Be Used?

Consider.

  • There is only one battery-electric train, that has been tested on the UK rail network – The Hitachi Class 802 train or similar.
  • There is only one battery-electric train, that has been ordered – The Hitachi Class 802 train or similar.
  • The longest distance on battery, between Reading and Bedford, is probably about thirty miles.

The Government could do a lot worse than order some more Class 802 trains, that were tailored for East-West Rail.

The Hitachi Class 802 train has five-cars, which are 26 metres long.

  • It has a 125 mph operating speed.
  • It has a range of 45 miles on battery power.
  • The trains have been proven in service.
  • The trains are made in the UK.
  • The trains could handle extended routes like Birmingham and Stansted Airport or Cardiff and Cambridge.

A four-car variant of the train with a 100 mph operating speed could be an alternative.

What Will Be The Initial East-West Rail Service?

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.

The initial East West Rail service will be between Oxford and Milton Keynes/Bletchley, with passenger services delayed until at least 2026 due to a dispute over train crew roles. Freight services began in June 2025, and temporary diesel services will run until the line is electrified. The full project aims to connect Oxford and Cambridge.

Note.

  1. Stewartby station for Universal Studios Bedford will not be served by East-West Rail initially.
  2. But I suspect, that the current Marston Vale Line service will continue, with a change if needed at Bletchley or Bedford to get to Stewartby.
  3. Earlier I showed that Google AI is predicting 20,000 construction jobs at Universal Studios Bedford, which I am sure will need some form of high-capacity rail transport, if grid-lock is to be avoided in much of Bedfordshire.

Perhaps an initial fleet of four- or five-car Class 802 diesel-electric trains could be ordered and they would run the full route between Oxford and Bedford stations, with a reverse in Platform 2A at Milton Keynes station.

  • The trains would run initially on diesel.
  • By using stepping-up in Platform 2A at Milton Keynes station, I believe a two trains per hour (tph) service could surely be run.
  • Hitachi could probably deliver the trains quickly, as they have not long been out of production.
  • Those living locally would get a much improved train service from their local station to and from Bedford, Milton Keynes or Oxford.
  • A large portion of the onward connectivity of the East-West Rail would be delivered early to the benefit of locals and visitors.
  • If extra services are needed, semi-fast services could be added between Bedford and Reading with stops at Stewartby, Bletchley, Bicester Village, Oxford Parkway and Oxford stations.

When Platforms 1 and 2 at Oxford station are electrified and the trains are converted to battery-electric operation, the route could be converted to zero-carbon operation.

Virtually Nothing Is Said About The Route Of The East-West Rail Between Bedford and Cambridge South Stations Via Tempsford Station

This quote from David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company, is the only time, that Tempsford is mentioned in the press release.

“From a new station at Cambridge East to better access in Oxford and clear alignment through Tempsford, East West Rail is shaping the modern, sustainable transport link this region needs to thrive.”

I asked Google AI, if  the proposed route of the East-West Rail between Bedford and Cambridge South stations through Tempsford is controversial and I received this reply.

Yes, the proposed route of East West Rail between Bedford and Cambridge is controversial, with opposition from some local residents and political figures who have expressed concerns about the southern alignment through Tempsford and surrounding villages. However, East West Rail Co has selected the route north of the Black Cat roundabout as the preferred alignment, citing reasons like cost-effectiveness and fewer disruptions, while also updating designs to include a southern station entrance to connect with planned growth areas around Tempsford.

Does Government or Artificial Intelligence have precedence?

Cambridge East Station Gets A First Mention

This quote from David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company, is the first time, that I’ve seen Cambridge East station mentioned.

“From a new station at Cambridge East to better access in Oxford and clear alignment through Tempsford, East West Rail is shaping the modern, sustainable transport link this region needs to thrive.”

In this document on the East-West Rail Consortium web site, there is extensive talk of an A14 Parkway station.

  • The document dates from 2018.
  • Google AI can’t find any trace of the A14 Parkway station referred to in the document.
  • This article on the BBC, which was written five days ago and is entitled Additional City station Proposed By East West Rail, is the only reference on the Internet, that references Cambridge East station.
  • The BBC article also says that other proposals after consultation include a new eastern entrance for Cambridge station, locating Cambourne station closer to the town and a mined tunnel for Bourn Airfield.
  • I also have to assume that A14 Parkway has also morphed into Cambridge East station.
  • To access all my posts, that relate to A14 Parkway, click this link.

But it does seem that consultation appears to have produced an acceptable compromise.

Between Kempston Hardwick and Tempsford Stations Through Bedford

I’ve now found that OpenRailwayMap  has been updated between Bedford and Cambridge.

This first section shows the route between Kempston Hardwick and Tempsford stations through Bedford.

 

Note.

  1. Kempston Hardwick station is in the South-West corner of the map.
  2. The yellow track is the Marston Vale Line, which goes through Bedford St. Johns and Bedford stations.
  3. The red track on the West side of the map is the Midland Main Line.
  4. The red track on the East side of the map is the East Coast Main Line.
  5. The dotted red line across the top of the map will be the route of the East-West Rail.
  6. Tempsford station will be to the South-West of where the East Coast Main Line and East-West Rail cross in the North-East cornet of the map.

I hope the good people of Bedford are happier now!

Between Tempsford and Cambourne

I’ve now found that OpenRailwayMap  has been updated between Bedford and Cambridge.

This second section shows the route between Tempsford and Cambourne stations.

Note.

  1. The dotted red line across the top of the map will be the route of the East-West Rail.
  2. Tempsford station is in the South-West corner of the map on the route of the East-West Rail.
  3. The red track on the West side of the map is the East Coast Main Line.
  4. Cambourne is the village in the North-East corner of the map.

 

November 23, 2025 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

East West Rail Train Door Row May See Launch Delayed

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.

This is the sub-heading.

The launch of a new £7bn railway faces being delayed because of a row over who will control the opening and closing of carriage doors.

These three paragraphs add more details.

The BBC understands train operator Chiltern Railways is in a standoff with the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, which represents train guards, over how East West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes will run.

The RMT said the operator wants train drivers to open and close the doors at stations, with no guards required.

Passenger trains were scheduled to start running between Oxford and Milton Keynes for the first time in nearly 60 years by the end of December.

I suspect that the unions won’t be satisfied until all trains in the UK have a crew of two.

November 21, 2025 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , | 3 Comments

Rail Line To Reopen After 60 Years In £120m Project

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.

This is the sub-heading.

An Oxford railway line closed to passengers since 1963 is being reopened.

These three paragraphs add detail to the story.

The Cowley Branch Line is currently only used by freight going to and from the BMW Mini Plant, but new stations will be opened in Cowley and Littlemore in south-east Oxford.

The government has pledged £120m in funding, part of a £500m investment in infrastructure to link up Oxford and Cambridge and turn the region into the “European Silicon Valley”.

Anneliese Dodds, MP for East Oxford, said the Cowley Branch Line was “finally going to become a reality”.

Have the Government finally got the message that reopened branch lines are good for growth, like I believe the Dartmoor and Northumberland Lines have been?

The Wycombe Railway

The Cowley Branch Line was originally the Wycombe Railway and ran all the way via  Thame, Princes Risborough, Saunderton, West Wycombe, High Wycombe, Marlow and Bourne End to Maidenhead station, as detailed by a map in its Wikipedia entry.

It looks to me, that this was a railway, that could have been developed, rather than closed.

October 24, 2025 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , | 2 Comments

Battery-Powered Train Breaks Distance Record

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.

This is the sub-heading.

A battery-powered train has broken the world record for the longest railway journey on a single charge.

These three introductory paragraphs add more details.

The Great Western Railway (GWR) train – a specially adapted former District Line train – travelled overnight along a 200-mile (322km) route from Reading and back again, via London Paddington and Oxford.

It reached 140 miles (225km), breaking the record on Brunel’s Maidenhead Bridge at about 04:00 BST.

The previous record of 139 miles (224km) was set by German train company Stadler Deutschland in Berlin on 10 December 2021.

This was an impressive demonstration of the capabilities of battery-electric trains.

Will This Record Be Beaten?

200 miles is impressive, but there was also this paragraph in the article.

At the end of the journey GWR said there was a remaining battery charge of 22% which it estimated would have allowed the train to travel about a further 58 miles (93km).

So it looks like 258 miles should be possible.

Four other companies are also developing battery-electric trains.

  • Alstom at Derby
  • CAF at Newport
  • Hitachi at Newton Aycliffe
  • Siemens at Goole
  • Stadler in Switzerland.

Note.

  1. All except Stadler have UK factories.
  2. Siemens and Stadler have delivered trains in Germany.
  3. This page on the Hitachi Rail web site is entitled Intercity Battery Trains.
  4. This page on the Hitachi Rail web site is entitled Hitachi Wins New UK Contract To Build Intercity Battery Trains. The customer is Grand Central Trains.
  5. Hitachi have been running a prototype for some months, in the UK.

The competition is hotting up and the record will certainly be soundly beaten.

 

August 20, 2025 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

An Interesting Comment From Lord Peter Hendy

This article on Modern Railways is entitled Chiltern FINALLY Signs Mk 5 Deal.

This extract from the article describes the deal.

An agreement for Chiltern Railways to lease the Mk 5A coaches previously operated by TransPennine Express and owned by Beacon Rail Leasing has been signed – and the trains are due to replace the current Mk 3 stock in phases from 2026. A 10-year lease has been agreed for the vehicles.

Chiltern will take on all 13 five-car sets as well as the spare Driving Trailer and the dedicated pool of 14 Class 68 locomotives.

The article also, has this excellent quote from Lord Peter Hendy, who is the Rail Minister at the end.

This government is putting passengers back at the heart of the 21st century railway by investing to make journeys easier, greener, and more comfortable.

“We are continuing to support Chiltern as they develop a plan to introduce additional services into their timetable, giving people more opportunities to work, live, and socialise.

I agree with much of what Lord Peter Hendy says, but could we see some actions to back up the words.

I have a few thoughts.

Lumo To Glasgow

I wrote about this new service in Lumo Will Extend Its King’s Cross And Edinburgh Service To Glasgow.

Given the opposition of the Transport Minister to open access services, I didn’t think this innovative service would be approved.

  • But it does add an affordable passenger-friendly service to London and Glasgow routes.
  • It will certainly be an easier route to London for some in Scotland.
  • It also adds some much-needed direct services between Newcastle and Glasgow.

Did Lord Peter Hendy have words to help Lumo get its approval?

As I wrote in Could London And Central Scotland Air Passengers Be Persuaded To Use The Trains?, I also believe that this new Lumo service could persuade more air passengers to take the train to Scotland.

Lumo To Stirling

I wrote about this service in ORR: Open Access Services Given Green Light Between London And Stirling.

  • First Group has taken over Grand Union Trains and the service will now be run by Lumo, who will use diesel Class 222 trains.
  • But Lumo will have the option of running their electric Class 803 trains on the route, as it is fully electrified, when their fleet receives more trains.

This was another service, that I didn’t think would be approved, as no other services on the West Coast Main Line were approved, as Network Rail objected.

But it certainly meets the words in Lord Peter Hendy’s statement.

Like Lumo’s service to Glasgow, when the Stirling service gets electric trains, it will surely cut carbon emissions of travellers to Central Scotland.

Chiltern’s Replacement Trains

Chiltern Railways are replacing this fleet of locomotive hauled trains.

  • 8 Class 68 locomotives
  • 25 Mark 3 coaches
  • 6 Driving Van Trailers

As services between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street stations consist of one locomotive, five coaches and one driving van trailer, that means there are two spare locomotives, one spare coach and one spare driving van trailer, if there are five rakes of coaches in service.

The new fleet will be.

  • 14 Class 68 locomotives
  • 52 Mark 5A coaches
  • 14 Driving Van Trailers

If services between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street stations consist of one locomotive, four coaches and one driving van trailer, that means there are one spare locomotive and one spare driving van trailer, which gives a possible thirteen rakes of coaches in service.

There are certainly enough to expand Chiltern’s services. The obvious destination would surely be Oxford. These pictures show the two North-pacing platforms at Oxford station.

The platforms would be shared with East-West Rail, but they are around 160 metres in length.

The Modern Railways article quote Arriva Group Managing Director UK Trains Amanda Furlong as saying this.

Upgrading our fleet is a vital next step in Chiltern’s modernisation plans and an important part of Arriva’s wider ambition to support the transition to more sustainable rail travel across the UK and Europe.

We are proud to support this important milestone for Chiltern Railways, which is a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration with Government to deliver practical improvements for passengers. We look forward to seeing these upgraded trains improve journeys and lower emissions across the network.

She certainly would agree on some issues with Lord Peter Hendy.

So will Chiltern Railways do something to reduce the carbon footprint of their fourteen Class 68 locomotives?

  • The Class 68 locomotives don’t have too many miles on the clock.
  • Chiltern have already run some their Class 68 locomotives on HVO, so this must be a possibility.
  • In total there are thirty-four Class 68 locomotives in service all of which have Caterpillar engines, so a conversion to zero-carbon power could be worthwhile.

I asked Google for an AI Overview on How many diesel locomotives have caterpillar engines worldwide? I got this answer.

While a precise worldwide count of diesel locomotives powered by Caterpillar (CAT) engines is difficult to pinpoint, it’s estimated that hundreds, if not thousands, of locomotives are equipped with CAT engines. Caterpillar has a long history of supplying engines to the rail industry, with engines like the 3500 series powering both mainline and switcher locomotives. Additionally, CAT engines are also used in generator sets for Head End Power (HEP) in passenger locomotives.

Note.

  1. It appears that, Caterpillar might have given up making truck engines because of emission issues.
  2. London Marylebone and Oxford is 66.8 miles
  3. London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill is 112.3 miles.

Perhaps one of the consultants like Ricardo could convert these locomotives to run on hydrogen.

 

August 7, 2025 Posted by | Hydrogen, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bicester Village Station – 28th May 2025

I went to Bicester Village station today and took these pictures.

Note.

  1. The station is fully step-free, with lifts.
  2. There is a reasonable coffee-shop.
  3. There is a very large car-park.

There are two trains per hour (tph) in both directions between Marylebone and Oxford stations.

This Google Map shows the station.

Note.

  1. London is to the North.
  2. Oxford is to the South.
  3. The footbridge dates from October 2021 and is not shown on the map.
  4. The London Road level crossing is in the North-East corner of the map.
  5. The London Road level crossing is a problem, as I indicated in Bicester MP Calls On Chancellor To Fund London Road Crossing.
  6. To take the pictures of the level crossing, I crossed the footbridge to the North-West side of the station and walked through the car park to the station entrance on Station Approach. I then walked past the Bicester Bodyshop and Edmundson Electrical to the level crossing.
  7. The Shell garage can be clearly seen behind the level crossing.

During my walk of about thirty-five minutes three trains passed over the level crossing.

These are my thoughts.

The Long Platforms

The platforms are long.

  • The Oxford-bound platform, which is Platform 1, is 240 metres long.
  • The London-bound platform, which is Platform 2, is 230 metres long.

Both platforms will take a pair of five-car Hitachi Express Trains.

It looks to me, that East-West Rail are expecting a large number of passengers.

East-West Rail Plans For Powering Trains

I detailed these in Plans For Powering Trains And Details Of Our Upcoming Consultation.This post was based on an East-West Rail news item with the same title.

Distances include.

  • London Marylebone and Oxford – 66.8 miles.
  • Bletchley and Oxford – 47.2 miles.

Both distances are within range of five-car Hitachi Express Trains, that have been fitted with batteries.

I also suspect other manufacturers could supply suitable trains.

Thoughts On The London Road Level Crossing

This article on the BBC is entitled Level Crossing Petition Supported By Thousands.

This is the sub-heading.

A petition calling for a fully accessible underpass at a town’s level crossing has received more than 3,000 signatures.

These three paragraphs add more detail.

Launched by MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller, the petition calls on the government to ensure any replacement of the level crossing at London Road in Bicester includes access for cars, not just cyclists and pedestrians.

It is set to be closed on safety grounds when the East West Rail (EWR) line becomes fully operational, which many fear would cut off crucial access to thousands of residents.

Mr Miller will present the petition, which can only be signed in person, in Parliament on 3 June.

The argument is certainly hotting up.

But I believe, that a bridge that meets everybody’s requirements might be possible to be built.

  • Suppose that all trains and locomotives passing through the level crossing had to be self-powered. Passenger trains could be battery-electric and freight locomotives could be either hydrogen or battery powered through the location of the level crossing.
  • The track could also be lowered through the crossing.
  • These actions would reduce the height of any bridge taking the road over the railway.

It looks to me that on the Northumberland Railway, which has recently opened, they had a similar problem, but they were able to squeeze a bridge into the space, as this 3D Google Map shows.

Note.

  1. The bridge looks like it carries a two-lane road and a pedestrian/cycle way.
  2. There is no electrification.
  3. I believe that the Northumberland Line could be run by battery-electric trains.
  4. The road bridge has been built to accept all traffic using the railway.

In Newsham Station – 30th March 2025, there are several pictures of the bridge. This one shows the bridge with a train.

In Trains: £34m For Revival Of 50-Year-Old North-East Railway Line, I said this about battery-electric trains for the Northumberland Line.

I’m drawn inextricably to the conclusion, that the trains should be 100 mph battery-electric trains.

Hitachi, who have a factory in the North-East, have announced their Regional Battery Train in July 2020, which is described in this Hitachi infographic.

These trains can be based on Class 385 trains.

  • They are 100 mph trains.
  • They come in three- and four-cars lengths.
  • The three-car trains have 206 seats.
  • They can work in pairs.
  • They can use 25 KVAC overhead electrification.
  • They have a range of 90 kilometres or 56 miles on battery power.
  • The batteries would be charged on the ECML between Benton North junction and Newcastle station.
  • The battery packs will be designed and manufactured by Hyperdrive Innovation in Sunderland.
  • They have big windows for the views.

I’m sure Hitachi and Hyperdrive would like a fleet in service, just up the road from their factories.

Could a similar or even thinner bridge be squeezed in at Bicester Village station to take London Road over the railway?

I think it can, if they use some of the latest 3D modelling.

 

May 28, 2025 Posted by | Design, Energy, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Plans For Powering Trains And Details Of Our Upcoming Consultation

The title of this post, is the same as that of a news item on the East West Rail web site.

This is the sub heading.

We’re pleased to share plans for how we’ll power trains on East West Rail, as well as information and dates of our public consultation on latest proposals for the project.

These are the first two paragraphs.

As part of our latest proposals, which we’ll be sharing for public consultation from 14 November, we’re providing information on our preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains, after the Chancellor confirmed government support for the project in yesterday’s budget.

As well as reducing carbon emissions, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would reduce disruption to existing structures and potentially reduce visual impacts in more sensitive locations on the new railway between Bedford and Cambridge. This option would also cost less than full electrification and would need less land for things such as mast foundations.

There is also a short video, which explains discontinuous electrification.

I feel that to use discontinuous electrification and hybrid battery-electric trains is the way to go on this railway between Oxford and Cambridge.

  • It is a zero-carbon solution.
  • There is electrification at Reading. Didcot, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge along the route, so grid connections will be already available.
  • Sandy, where East West Rail crosses the East Coast Main Line, is fully electrified and must have a grid connection.
  • A small article in the November 2024 Edition of Modern Ralways, says that Hitachi are developing a smaller battery for commuter and suburban trains.
  • Didcot to Oxford could be electrified and there is already a grid connection at Didcot.

Discontinuous electrification could be used to extend East West Rail to Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester.

These are my detailed observations and thoughts.

Existing Electrification

This OpenRailwayMap shows the electrification between Oxford and Bedford.

Note.

  1. Bold red lines are tracks electrified at 25 KVAC.
  2. Bold black lines are tracks without electrification.
  3. Oxford is in the South-West corner of the map.
  4. Bedford is in the North-East corner of the map.
  5. The bold black line of the Western section of the East West Rail connects the two cities.
  6. The lines through Oxford are shown as being electrified. The black stub pointing East to the South of Oxford is the Cowley Branch.

The rail lines crossing East West Rail from West to East are as follows.

  • Chiltern Main Line – Not Electrified
  • High Speed Two – Will Be Electrified
  • West Coast Main Line – Electrified
  • Midland Main Line – Electrified

I suspect all lines, except for the Chiltern Main Line, will be able to provide a grid connection for East West Rail.

This second OpenRailwayMap shows the electrification between Bedford and Cambridge.

Note.

  1. Bold red lines are tracks electrified at 25 KVAC.
  2. Bold black lines are tracks without electrification.
  3. Bedford is in the South-West corner of the map.
  4. Cambridge is in the North-East corner of the map.
  5. The Eastern section of the East West Rail connects the two cities.
  6. Both maps are to the same scale

The rail lines crossing East West Rail from West to East are as follows.

  • Midland Main Line – Electrified
  • East Coast Main Line – Electrified
  • West Anglia Main Line – Electrified

I suspect all lines will be able to provide a grid connection for East West Rail.

Distances Without Electrification

These sections are not electrified.

  • Oxford and Bletchley – 47.2 miles
  • Bletchley and Bedford – 16.5 miles
  • Bedford and Cambridge – 29.2 miles
  • Ely and Norwich – 53.7 miles
  • Norwich and Great Yarmouth – 18.4 miles
  • Cambridge and Haughley Junction – 41.3 miles

I am assuming that the East West Rail could extend past Cambridge on these two routes.

  • Ely, Thetford, Norwich and Great Yarmouth.
  • Newmarket, Bury St. Edmunds, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Manningtree and Colchester.

All sections have electrification at both ends, if Didcot Junction and Oxford is electrified, as is expected to happen.

Train Battery Range Needed

The route layout, I have proposed means that if you go for the battery-electric train with the longest battery range you can afford and it can’t handle Ely and Norwich, the existing electrification can be extended to bridge the gap.

Application Of Discontinuous Electrification To Greater Anglia And Chiltern Railways

If discontinuous electrification can be applied to East West Rail, it can surely be applied to Greater Anglia and Chiltern Railways, given the fact that the route networks of all three companies overlap and share tracks.

Greater Anglia already have a fleet of Class 755 trains, which are designed to be converted to battery-electric operation.

With batteries fitted, I believe that these trains could handle most of the current routes they do now.

The other routes would be handled with selective lengths of overhead electrification in terminal stations to charge the trains before return.

Electrification Between Oxford And Bicester Village Stations

Oxford station has two North-facing bay platforms, that are used by Chiltern and other services terminating at the station from the North.

Note.

  1. Chiltern Railways already run two trains per hour (tph) between these platforms and Marylebone.
  2. I would assume the platforms will be used by East West Rail services, that terminate at Oxford station.
  3. If discontinuous electrification is to be used, then these two platforms could be electrified to charge trains before they return.
  4. East West Rail have not published their proposed services yet, but it could be one tph to both Milton Keynes Central and Bedford stations.

I can see Chiltern buying battery-electric trains to run services between Marylebone and Oxford, and some other routes.

Marylebone and Oxford is 66.7 miles, which is probably two far for even Stadler’s remarkable battery-electric trains, but if say between Oxford and Bicester Village station were to be electrified, would it make it possible to run battery-electric trains between Marylebone and Oxford with charging at both end of the route.

In Chiltern Sets Out New Fleet Ambitions, I talk about Chiltern’s possible new fleet, as proposed by their MD in September 2023.

October 31, 2024 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Debenhams Oxford – May 27th, 2024

These pictures show the current state of the Debenhams store in Oxford.

This will be the first development of those, that I talked about in Crown Estate To Spend £1.5bn On New Laboratories.

  • I have deliberately shown pictures of the Junction, where the Debenhams building occupies the North-West corner.
  • There is a Waterstones opposite the Debenhams building, on a busy junction between George and Magdalen Streets.
  • There is a bus information display on the corner.
  • There are a lot of chain eateries and a pub; the Wig & Pen.

These are a few thoughts.

Does the Debenhams Building Have Any Car Parking?

I would doubt it, but there may be a need to bring in large equipment.

Taxis To And From The Station

Note.

  1. I took a black taxi from the station to just outside the Debenhams building and it cost me the princely sum of £5,20.
  2. I also noted there was a rank at the rear of the building.
  3. In both locations, taxis were ready to roll.

That looked reasonable.

Buses To And From The Station

Staff at Oxford station, assured me that buses were available, but due to all the road works and Bank Holiday chaos, I suspect it could be improved, when the station upgrade is complete.

Walking To The Station

I took this second set of pictures as I walked from the Debenhams building back to the station.

Note.

  1. I walked from the junction by Debenhams, along George Street.
  2. It was a fairly straight line and level.
  3. There were no signposts between Debenhams and the station.
  4. There was quite a bit of blocked traffic.
  5. The route could do with some improvement like refurbished pavements and a few direction signs.

It took me about twenty-four minutes and at 76, I walked it easily.

On entering the station, I walked straight on to the platform for my train back to Reading, which was two minutes late.

Cycling

I suspect that many will cycle to work in the Debenhams building, as it is in Oxford.

But then, I suspect the Crown Estate, their architects and builders will know the appropriate provision to make.

Is The Debenhams Building At A Good Location?

When I was around 23, I used to reverse commute to ICI in Welwyn Garden City.

This involved.

  • A ten-minute walk from St. John’s Wood to Chalk Farm tube station.
  • A Northern Line train to King’s Cross station.
  • A suburban train to Welwyn Garden City station.
  • A fifteen-minute walk to my place of work.

St. John’s Wood to Oxford would involve.

  • A fourteen-minute bus ride to St. Paddington station.
  • A suburban train to Oxford station.
  • A twenty-minute walk to my place of work.

A Brompton bicycle would help.

Knowing Cambridge as I do, the Debenhams building would be very well-located, if it were in Cambridge in a similar location, with respect to the railway station.

I feel that the Debenhams building passes the location test.

 

 

May 27, 2024 Posted by | World | , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Crown Estate To Spend £1.5bn On New Laboratories

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article  on The Times.

These three paragraphs introduce the Crown Estate’s plan.

The Crown Estate is to spend £1.5 billion over the next decade building more laboratories nationwide and will start by redeveloping the old Debenhams store in Oxford city centre.

The King’s property company, which looks after the royal family’s £16 billion historic land portfolio, will invest £125 million to buy the former department store and will turn it into laboratory space.

The building has been empty for omore than three years, having closed down in early 2021 after Debenhams collapsed during the pandemic. The Crown has bought a long leasehold of the store from DTZ Investors, the freeholder, which is keeping the street-level retail units. Subject to planning, construction is expected to start at the site next year, with the labs expected to be fully operational in 2027 or 2028.

This looks very much like a smaller version of British Land’s plan for the Euston Tower, which I wrote about in British Land Unveils Plans To Transform London’s Euston Tower Into A Life Sciences And Innovation Hub.

These are my thoughts.

Helping Start-Ups

I have been involved with perhaps half a dozen start-up ventures. Two were very successful and the others generally scraped along or just failed.

One common theme, was the lack of small convenient premises, where perhaps up to a dozen people could work.

  • I don’t know Oxford well, but I would assume that the Debenhams site, is good for public transport and cycle parking.
  • I also hope there’s a good real ale pub nearby, for some productive group thinking!

If this venture from Crown Estate helps start-ups to get over the first difficult hurdle, then it will be a development to be welcomed.

Location, Location, Location

It has been said, that the three most important things in property development are location, location and location.

This 3D Google Map shows the approximate location of the Debenhams building.

Note.

  1. The red arrow indicates a pub called the Wig and Pen , which is on the opposite side of George Street to the Debenhams building.
  2. The railway with its excellent connections runs North-South down the Western edge of the map.
  3. I estimate that walking distance to the station is about 500-600 metres.

I shall be going to Oxford in the next couple of days to take some pictures of the building and the walk.

We Can’t Have Too Many Laboratories

The British and the sort of people we attract to these isles seem to be born innovators and inventors.

My father’s male line is Jewish and my paternal great-great-great-grandfather had to leave his home city of Königsberg in East Prussia for the sole reasons he was eighteen, male and Jewish. As both Königsberg and London, were on the trading routes of the Hanseatic League, he probably just got on a ship. As he was a trained tailor, he set up in business in Bexley.

My mother’s male line is Huguenot and somewhere in the past, one of her ancestors left France for England. My grandfather was an engraver, which is a common Huguenot craft. Intriguingly, my mother had very French brown eyes.

Why did my ancestors come here?

It was probably a choice between escape to the UK or die!

This Wikipedia entry, which us entitled  History of the Jews in Königsberg, gives a lot of detail.

Note.

  1. My ancestor left Königsberg around 1800.
  2. He probably brought my coeliac disease with him.
  3. In 1942, many of the Jews remaining in Königsberg were sent to the Nazi concentration camps.
  4. About 2,000 Jews remain in Königsberg, which is now Kaliningrad in Russia.

I am an atheist, but some years ago, I did a computing job for a devout Orthodox Jewish oncologist and he felt my personal philosophy was very much similar to his.

This Wikipedia entry, which is entitled  Huguenots, gives a brief history of the Huguenots.

Whatever you’re attitude to immigration, you can’t deny these facts.

  • Immigration increases the population.
  • As the population increases, we’re going to need more innovation to maintain a good standard of living.
  • Just as we need more places to house immigrants, we also need more places, where they can work.
  • Immigration brings in those with all types of morals, sexualities and intelligences.
  • Like the Jews and Huguenots of over two centuries ago, some emigrants will dream of using their skills and intelligence to start a successful business.
  • It is likely, that some immigrants, who came here to study, might also want to stay on and seek employment here, using the skills they’ve learned and acquired. Some may even start successful businesses.

I also wonder, if immigration is difficult, does this mean, that the intelligent and resourceful are likely to be successful migrants. I heard this theory from a Chinese lady, who started her immigration to the UK, by swimming from mainland China to Hong Kong.

I feel, that unless we are prepared to ban immigration completely, not allow students to come here and study and be prepared to accept our current standard of living for the future, then we will need more laboratories and suitable places for entrepreneurs to start new businesses.

Conclusion

The Crown Estate appears to be getting more entrepreneurial.

In UK Unveils GBP 50 Million Fund To Boost Offshore Wind Supply Chain, I describe how they6 are using funds to accelerate the building of wind farms in theCetic Sea.

Has the King changed the boss or the rules?

Or have they employed a world-class mathematical modeller?

It is my experience, that modelling financial systems, can bring surprising results.

May 25, 2024 Posted by | Energy, World | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

East West Rail To Hold Drop-In Events Ahead Of Statutory Consultation

The title of this post is the same as that of this article on RailUK.

These three paragraphs introduce the article.

East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced a series of information events in May to help people understand how the formal application process to build the railway works.

Nine information events will be held in May across the whole line of route between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

These events are aimed at providing information about the statutory consultation process which will start in June. Details of the proposed design about the route will be shared when the statutory consultation begins.

These are the dates for the information events.

  • Tuesday 7 May – Bedford Rowing Social Club, The Boathouse, Duck Mill Lane, Bedford, MK42 0AX, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Wednesday 8 May – Cutteslowe Pavilion Hall, Cutteslowe Park, Oxford, OX2 8ES, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Thursday 9 May – Weyland Hall, 8-10 North Street, Bicester, OX26 6ND, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Friday 10 May – South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, CB23 6EA, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Monday 20 May – Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton, MK44 3EB, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Tuesday 21 May – St Philip’s Church Centre, 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Wednesday 22 May – Comberton Village Hall, Green End, Comberton, CB23 7DY, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Thursday 23 May – Bletchley Masonic Centre, 263 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2BZ, from 2pm-7pm.
  • Friday 24 May – Marston Moreteyne Community Centre, Great Linns, Marston Moreteyne, MK4 0DD, from 2pm-7pm.

They would appear to have the area covered.

I shall probably go to the Bedford event, as if I didn’t make it, I could go to another.

March 28, 2024 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , | Leave a comment

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