East West Rail has said more than 1,000 feedback forms have already been submitted as its latest consultation on the railway project approaches the halfway stage.
The consultation, which launched on 14 April and runs until 9 June, is the final route-wide consultation before East West Railway Company (EWR Co) submits its Development Consent Order (DCO) application in 2027.
According to EWR Co, more than 1,700 people have attended consultation events so far, while the project website has recorded nearly 30,000 consultation page views.
The company said more than 780 visits had also been made to its online virtual consultation room.
Read: East West Rail welcomes faster planning rules as Bedfordians face ‘weaker’ formal say
Updated plans
The latest consultation covers updated designs for the railway linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
Among the key changes outlined by EWR Co are plans for an accelerated construction programme, up to five trains per hour and longer five-car trains instead of four-car services.
The company says the increased capacity reflects expected future demand, including the proposed Universal resort near Bedford.
Read: East West Rail Co admits early feedback not reflected in current consultation
David Hughes, chief executive of EWR Co, said: “It’s great to see so many people wanting to find out more about our latest proposals and sharing their feedback as we approach the halfway stage of our consultation.
“East West Rail will cut travel times, reduce congestion and improve connectivity whilst providing new job opportunities, supporting new housing and unlocking economic growth.
“I hope people take the opportunity to find out more about the project by attending one of the remaining consultation events and sharing their views to help us shape our final designs.”
Concerns remain
However, debate over the project continues across Bedford Borough, particularly around traffic, road closures, environmental impact and whether local concerns will genuinely influence the final scheme.
During earlier consultation events in Bedford, residents raised concerns about the impact on communities around Poets, Bromham Road, Clapham Green and the proposed station approaches, while others questioned how increased traffic and construction disruption would be managed.
EWR Co has also previously acknowledged that feedback gathered during earlier non-statutory consultations did not directly shape the current route, as the broad alignment had already been decided before the latest stage.
Read: East West Rail route won’t change as Bedford consultation focuses on traffic and station plans
That admission prompted criticism from some residents and campaigners, who argued that the current consultation risks focusing more on mitigation and detailed design than on fundamental route decisions.
The project has also attracted criticism following government proposals to streamline major infrastructure planning rules, with some Bedford residents and campaign groups expressing concern that communities could have less formal influence over nationally significant projects in future.
‘Important opportunity’
Despite concerns, supporters of East West Rail argue the project could transform connectivity across the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor and bring significant economic opportunities to Bedford.
EWR Co said feedback gathered during the consultation would be used to help finalise designs ahead of the formal planning application next year.
Eight consultation events are still due to take place, including online sessions and in-person events across the route.
For more information about the consultation and how to get involved, visit the East West Rail EWR consultation page, contact EWR Co’s helpdesk at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or call 0330 134 0067.
Feedback must be submitted by 11.59pm on 9 June 2026.
