Overview
Anyone with an interest in accessibility and inclusion. Rail industry professionals.
Time: 2 March 2026, 17:00 - 20:00
Where: Zoom
Speaker: Gerard Butler, Journey Planner Lead, Transport for London
Introduction:
October 2025 saw central government announce £120m of funding to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers and create two new stations at Oxford Cowley and Oxford Littlemore in south-east Oxford.
So far, £4.7m has been invested in feasibility work, and local partners will be asked to contribute £35m to the total construction cost. Both the city and county councils have already committed funds to this and will work with other landowners to secure further contributions.
Presentation aims:
We will focus on the accessibility and inclusion benefits which will be provided by the new station at Littlemore in particular, bearing in mind its close proximity to two of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Oxfordshire, at Blackbird Leys and Minchery Farm. We will hear about engagement with, and reception from, these communities, and how it will benefit them in terms of access to work, education and leisure (The presentation will describe the benefits of improved access to the extended Science Park and new housing)
A comprehensive presentation will also feature the following;
•History of project
•Reasons for approval
•Details on new stations and services including implications for Oxford station, through London connectivity and regional commuting in the Thames Valley region.
•Delivery timescales
•Coordination with wider policies: integrated transport, housing, local development plans
Competencies:
PAS2.3 Access, Inclusion and Sustainability through Transport.