Rail services could be introduced from Reading to Milton Keynes and Bedford if the East West rail link is rebuilt from existing and mothballed track.

The East West Rail Consortium of local authorities has concluded that it is better to complete work on the link in one operation, rather than have to undertake expensive upgrading in the future.

The 100mph double-track link could also be used to provide rail services between Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, High Wycombe and London Marylebone.

How to fund the £211 million link remains a problem, particularly in the light of government cutbacks and a slump in house building, although it is hoped government funding will be available after 2014.

Developers are expected to contribute to the cost of reinstating the link and the consortium is aiming for 15% of the cost to be borne by the private sector. Housing growth is expected to continue in Milton Keynes, Bicester and Aylesbury. Local Enterprise Partnerships are expected to provide backing for the link.

The scheme has an exceptional 6-3 benefit-cost ratio but the consortium has not yet been able to sign up a promoter for it.

Further work is also being undertaken to examine how the existing single track at Fenny Stratford and Bedford St Johns could be upgraded to double track.

Prospects for the link will be significantly boosted by Chiltern Railways’ Evergreen 3 plan to upgrade track around Bicester to allow for a new Marylebone-Oxford service. A public inquiry into Evergreen 3 opens on 2 November 2010.

Network Rail’s plan to upgrade Wolvercote tunnel for “big box” freight containers will also help.

The consortium is planning to meet Transport Minister Theresa Villiers in two weeks time to make the case for government support. Milton Keynes’ two MPs, Iain Stewart and Mark Lancaster, will attend the meeting.

Railfuture campaigners will be taking part in an Oxford-Cambridge charity bike ride next weekend to highlight the need for the rail link.

Information from Chris Wright.

bike ride

bike ride donation

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