THE proposed East-West Rail link, connecting Oxford and Bicester with Milton Keynes and Bedford, could generate more than £38m a year for the UK economy, according to a new study.
Forecasters from Oxford Economics, based in St Aldate’s, have said there is a strong business case for the £178m project, which would slash travelling times between communities along the route.
Their report, called East West Rail: The Economic Case for Investment, looked at the benefits that would flow from running passenger trains linking Reading, Didcot, Oxford and Bicester to Milton Keynes and Bedford and connecting High Wycombe and Aylesbury with Milton Keynes.
Neil Gibson, the chairman of the East-West Rail Consortium and strategic director for Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “Oxford Economics has confirmed what we have been saying to ministers and Whitehall officials – that investment in East-West Rail is a great deal for the taxpayer, for business, the public and for supporting economic growth.”
The consortium is campaigning for the project to be included in the Government’s 2014-19 railway investment programme, which will be published in July next year.
For more details, see eastwestrail.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel