The East West Railway Company has confirmed the next phase of its multibillion-pound project connecting Oxford and Cambridge, with plans to increase train frequency and build several new stations.

The railway operator announced on 19 November 2025 that it is exploring increasing services from the previously proposed 3 or 4 trains per hour to up to 5 per hour. This enhancement could provide up to 70% more seating capacity across the route whilst reducing average waiting times. 

Four new stations are planned along the Marston Vale Line, which has not seen significant investment since the 1960s. One of these, a new station at Stewartby, will serve the forthcoming Universal theme park in Bedford. Improvements are also planned for existing stations, including new entrances at Bletchley, Cambridge and Bedford.

The plans include a new Cambridge East station, which will connect to the upgraded Newmarket Line, offering links to Norwich, Felixstowe and Ipswich. A new eastern entrance at Cambridge Central is also proposed to improve access for surrounding communities.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "East West Rail is more than a railway – it's a catalyst for growth, more jobs and opportunity, and this project will make rail travel faster, greener and more reliable for millions of passengers."

The project is expected to unlock £6.7 billion of regional economic growth by 2050 and enable the construction of up to 100,000 new homes. Cutting-edge hybrid battery-electric trains will be used along the partially electrified route.

David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company, said: "These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region."

The development forms part of the government's efforts to develop the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor as a major economic hub.