Oxfordshire County Council has approved a bold long-term strategy to transform rail travel across the county, setting out a 15 year programme of improvements designed to deliver a more modern, sustainable and better-connected network.
The plan, OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, was formally adopted by the council’s cabinet following extensive collaboration with rail industry partners and public consultation.
The announcement comes only weeks after funding was confirmed to reopen Oxford’s Cowley Branch Line to passengers – an early signal, councillors say, that the county is on the right trajectory to attract major investment.
At the heart of OxRail 2040 are four central priorities intended to create a railway system fit for the future. The first is the vision of an Oxfordshire Metro, integrating rail with buses, cycling and walking to provide seamless, user-focused travel across the region. Also high on the agenda is electrification, establishing a zero-carbon rail network anchored by the national “electric freight spine”.
A major transformation of Oxford railway station is included, aiming to increase capacity, improve regional mobility links and enhance the station’s facilities and public realm.
Alongside this, the plan proposes five new stations: Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke, Wantage & Grove and Ardley, all intended to support local growth and provide better access to rail services.
Read more: Oxfordshire County council seeks feedback on OxRail 2040 plan
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This is not simply a wish list. We have credible routes for the delivery of each of the proposals in OxRail 2040, and through the consultation we have received very positive feedback from key government and industry figures.”
She added that although infrastructure responsibility ultimately lies with central government and train operators, the county council plays a vital role in shaping the long-term direction of transport. “Since we started putting this plan together, we’ve had the announcement about government funding of the Cowley Branch Line, which shows the kind of investment we can generate when all the preparation and partnership working is in place when opportunities arise.”
The strategy highlights further opportunities, including enhancements to community rail partnerships, the need for a mass rapid transit route between Oxford, Witney and Carterton, and upgrades to existing lines to boost passenger services and freight capacity. Increasing rail freight, the council says, would reduce pressure on roads such as the A34 and improve air quality.
OxRail 2040 also supports ongoing projects such as East West Rail, improvements to the county’s 23 existing stations and calls for restoring double track on the North Cotswold Line to Hanborough. The council believes the new rail plan will strengthen applications for future government funding and help support Oxfordshire’s fast-growing economy.
Councillor Roberts said: “It demonstrates how we are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy. However, success in delivering these aims will depend on the government, the rail industry and our local communities collaborating with us and playing their part.”
