East West Rail bosses have used the success of Borders Railway to “perfectly illustrate the huge potential” of the Oxford to Cambridge route, but critics say it’s not a valid comparision.
Borders Railway, which connects Edinburgh and Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders, has exceeded expectations in the area which provided a “boom” to overcome initial opposition from campaigers.
EWR says that, at 35 miles, it is a similar length to the proposed new section of railway linking Bedford and Cambridge, which is 38 miles. The former Varsity line and the Borders Railway (which was then known as the Waverley line) were both closed in the 1960s. Through services from Oxford to Cambridge ended in 1966 and the Borders Railway closed in 1969.
Leader of the Scottish Borders Council, Cllr Euan Jardine, said that initially it was thought Borders Railway would carry around 600,000 passengers a year but by 2018/19 that figure has risen to 1,789,467.
He said the town of Galashiels, which is served by Borders Rail, used to be a struggling, run-down high street before the railway’s arrival, but is now a rejuvenated town centre today.
“There was a whole political party set up to stop the railway being put into place because they felt it was going to be detrimental to the countryside,” said Cllr Jardine.
“They felt there wouldn’t be any economic case for it, it was going to be a waste of money, but that has absolutely been forgotten about now because of the boom.
“Businesses have also started to invest in the Borders, businesses and law firms, which is very, very important for the local economy. But it’s also bringing people here to get them working.”
A Transport Committee session examining East West Rail heard earlier this month how Borders Rail has been “extraordinarily popular”, has generated “lots of economic development” and that “tourism has increased massively” as a result of the railway.
Mixed response
The response to the Borders/EWR comparison from Bedford’s Mayor, MP, councillors and campaigners has been mixed, with some on board with the regeneration possibilities, while others suggest it is a false equivalence.
Green Party councillor, Ben Foley (Greyfriars ward), said: “As Greens, we are not one jot surprised that the Borders Railway has been a huge success.
“The 1960s Labour Government closed many railways that should never have been closed, including the line from Bedford to Cambridge as well as the Borders Railway. Greens say that what we need now is to get on with getting East-West Rail built, while being careful to avoid the downsides, whether all the unnecessary threats to demolish homes, or the flood risks associated with suggested routes south of the river.
“By getting on with it, Greens feel we could sooner realise benefits including a better station for Bedford that would be a true interchange improving our train service north and south too, much easier access to/from Cambridge, and improvements to cycling and walking/wheeling to and from the station.
The MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammad Yasin (Labour) said he welcomes investment in public transport infrastructure.
“But it is a false comparison to argue that just because one rail project has been a success, that another one will be,” he told the Bedford Independent.
“Each project is unique. Plans are one thing, implementation quite another and I think there is a very long way to go before EWR can talk about success.”
End the uncertainty
Both Mr Yasin, Mayor Tom Wootton and Harpur ward councillors suggested that EWR should focus on communicating with residents in Bedford, rather than focusing their attention on projects at the other end of the country.
“Instead of wasting time publishing misleading press releases on case studies that have little to no relevance on the reality of EWR and to the people of Bedford Borough, the CEO of EWR should be working with us and people effected by this project some of whom are losing their houses to make sure we get the route right,” said the Mayor.
“And that could start with a proper bit of inclusive consultation.”
Mr Yasin said: “So far, the consultation process and public relations processes have let residents down. I would urge EWR to focus on this project and its unique issues, listen to resident’s concerns and strive to provide clear, timely and consistent information to the public about their plans which will have a big impact on many of my constituents.”
Harpur ward councillors, Zara Layne and Colleen Atkins, said: “We are mindful that residents in the Poets area whose homes may be affected are currently still living with uncertainty and distress.
“They need far better consultation and communication from EWR NOW, as well as fair Need to Sell offers to owners of affected houses.
“We will continue to fight any demolitions in Poets but if the worst happens and construction as planned goes ahead, residents need fair and prompt financial settlements for owners or occupiers of any property that is required to build the track.”
“Not the glowing endorsement they claim it to be”
Campaigners against the chosen route E are sceptical about EWR’s claims around Borders Railway, saying that passenger journeys for shorter distances are lower than predicted.
The campaign group, which says it is in favour of East West Rail, providing an alternative route is chosen, said EWR bosses were using “the kind of optimism bias and spin we’ve come to expect.”
“So it brings into question their passenger numbers for journeys between Bedford and Cambridge?” said BFARe’s Mike Barlow.
“It is interesting that EWR should choose the Borders Railway as their flagship reference case. It cost £295m (2012 prices) to reinstate and did not include any new build (unlike EWR). It gets about 2,000 passengers per day with Edinburgh on it – a city five times the population of Cambridge.
“EWR is costing 20 times as much to service a population a fifth of the size.”
“A positive legacy for Bedford”
The CEO of EWR, Beth West, said that the blueprint of Borders Railway was an “outstanding example of how a railway can be transformational for local economies and communities, helping places flourish and become more dynamic and desirable to visit.”
She said that the railway had the potential to not only transform Bedford, but to deliver long-term benefits along the whole route.
“Successful case studies like Borders Rail provide an encouraging and inspiring blueprint for East West Rail to deliver a huge, positive legacy for residents, business and economies across the route,” she said.
