East West Rail: UK’s Rail Upgrade Boosting Capacity & Economic Growth

Introduction

East West Rail, a significant transport initiative, is exploring plans to increase train frequency to up to five trains per hour, potentially providing up to 70% more seating capacity across the route.

Main Content

Project Enhancements

The East West Rail project is exploring plans to increase train frequency from three or four to up to five per hour. These enhancements could provide up to 70 per cent more seating, ease overcrowding, and speed up boarding. The plans also aim to cut average waiting times, improve service resilience, and create a more reliable passenger experience.

Infrastructure Improvements

Confirmed improvements include new station entrances at Bletchley, Cambridge, and Bedford. Additionally, there are plans for four brand-new stations along the Marston Vale Line, representing the first significant investment since the 1960s. A new station at Stewartby has also been confirmed.

Economic and Regional Impact

East West Rail is expected to unlock £6.7 billion of regional economic growth by 2050. The project is designed to support up to 100,000 new homes and tens of thousands of new jobs along the route. The new stations will better serve local communities by providing faster, more frequent services, and they will support the upcoming Universal Theme Park, which is anticipated to add almost £50 billion to the economy by 2055 and welcome over 8.5 million visitors in its opening year.

Technological and Operational Advancements

The project includes plans for seven new stations and the use of cutting-edge hybrid battery-electric trains. These trains will deliver faster, greener services along the partially electrified route while keeping costs down. Plans include a new Cambridge East station, designed to drive major economic growth and reduce congestion.

Conclusion

East West Rail is focusing on infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements, including increasing train frequency and introducing new stations to improve regional connectivity and support economic growth, supported by the use of hybrid battery-electric trains.

Company Summary

East West Railway Company: The company is focused on the development and operation of the East West Rail project, aiming to improve rail connectivity and support regional economic growth.

Universal Destinations and Experiences (UDX): A company investing in the UK, with plans to open a theme park and benefit from improved transport infrastructure.