Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to shape the future of rail in Oxfordshire as the county council launches consultation on its new strategy, OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail.
The plan sets out priorities for the county’s rail network over the next 15 years, with feedback open until midnight on 01 October via the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire website.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action at Oxfordshire County Council, said:
“While the government and train operators are responsible for rail infrastructure and passenger services, with private operators delivering rail freight, we as the local transport and highways authority are a key stakeholder and partner in shaping the future of transport in the county.
“With the move to a state-owned Great British Railways encompassing track and train and the likely establishment of a mayoral strategic authority with substantial new powers and funding, our plan lays the foundations for the future.
“We are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy. That’s why it’s vital that we outline our priorities and ambitions for the future of rail development in Oxfordshire.
“I would urge anyone with an interest in shaping the future of transport to take part in the consultation and tell us what matters to them.”
Key issues explored in the draft plan include upgrading rail lines, expanding passenger services, and supporting freight routes to reduce reliance on HGVs. It also proposes decarbonisation through electrification, investment in new rolling stock, and measures to cut rail-related noise and pollution.
A central ambition is the creation of an Oxfordshire Metro, designed to make public transport more seamless by coordinating bus and rail timetables, simplifying ticketing, and using apps to integrate payments and journey planning.
The strategy also positions Oxford Station—currently under redevelopment—as a hub for future growth, acting as a catalyst for new housing, jobs, and public services, while boosting connectivity with the city’s universities, hospitals, and innovation clusters.
Among its priority projects are the continued development of East West Rail, reopening the Cowley Branch Line, restoring double track on the North Cotswold line to Hanborough, upgrading all 23 existing stations, and opening five new stations.
Councillor Roberts added:
“Growth in the local economy and in people choosing alternatives to road transport are such that rail passenger numbers in the county are expected to increase greatly over the next 15 years. Improved facilities are essential.”
The plan is expected to strengthen Oxfordshire’s ability to attract future funding for transport and development. A final version will be presented to the county council’s cabinet for adoption later this year.
