Great Western Coffee Shop

Journey by Journey => London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury => Topic started by: eightonedee on January 10, 2023, 19:09:06



Title: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: eightonedee on January 10, 2023, 19:09:06
On this evening's BBC local news on TV, there's a piece about this. Apparently they hope to do this in three years, presumably because the track is still there and in use for the Mini factory.

Presumably though there will need to be new stations built - I assume all the old ones have long since been removed. Best of luck with that - see posts on the Green Park Reading thread! I also assume that it would be operated by GWR, so they would have to source the additional rolling stock.

I guess this may be repeated after the 10 o'clock BBC News if anyone wants to try to catch it.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: ChrisB on January 10, 2023, 19:13:21
Who is "they"? Network Rail, the councils, someone else?

Yes, two new stations - apparently Oxford South & Oxford East.

Chiltern is likely the operator, running through Oxford to Cowley rather than using the bay platforms. Whenever Hanborough becomes a P&R station, those shuttles *may* also run down there too.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: eightonedee on January 10, 2023, 19:14:21
Sorry - it seems to be the County Council.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: eightonedee on January 10, 2023, 19:17:02
....and now doing my research on-line, I see that the City council is also supporting it, both authorities have pledged funding.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: ChrisB on January 10, 2023, 19:22:07
No news there then, they have both already done that....the line needs upgrading & NR need to place that in the CP7 funding bid next. That may be why it's now been picked up by the media.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: infoman on January 11, 2023, 07:01:03
eightonedee,thank you for the link.

I presume this was on BBC South/Oxford news,as I did not see it on BBC points west.

Its a shame some posters have to resort to snotty comments insteading of having a look at the TV item first.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: ChrisB on January 11, 2023, 11:18:56
I had taken a look at the piece. There was nothing new & had been regurgitated as the Councils have started on thye business case for the stations that they wish to contribute to. Funding is still required from Network Rail as I suggested.


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: Electric train on January 11, 2023, 17:07:40
I had taken a look at the piece. There was nothing new & had been regurgitated as the Councils have started on thye business case for the stations that they wish to contribute to. Funding is still required from Network Rail as I suggested.

Network Rail can only secure DfT funding based on Local Authority funding and or commercial funding, NR funding from DfT would only be for enablers and project management


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: ChrisB on January 11, 2023, 17:15:53
They'll be looking closely at the business case & probably off to OXLEP for funding too


Title: Re: Re-opening the Cowley branch to passenger traffic
Post by: Hal on February 01, 2023, 13:52:52
https://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/23290281.councillors-greenlight-cowley-branch-line-4-5m-business-case-plan/

The city council has approved expenditure on a full business case for the reopening.



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