Archive for August 2014

The case for re-opening the Varsity Oxford to Cambridge line

Today the East West Rail Consortium published a detailed report showing that reinstating the so called ‘Varsity’ line between Cambridge and Oxford could be worth £750 million to the Cambridgeshire economy.

RyletelescopeThe original ‘Varsity’ line to Sandy was closed in 1967. Sadly reopening old route is not possible as the line was dismantled and used for other purposes including the Ryle radio telescope array and housing for instance.

Already the concept of bringing back the rail line took a significant step forward when the Chancellor in his Autumn 2011 statement committed £270 million to re-opening the Oxford to Bedford route. This was followed by the Transport Secretary confirming this route would be part of their national transport strategy. The final key was Network Rail announcing plans to construct a line between Oxford and Bedford as part of it’s 2014-2019 strategy.

The expectation is the line will be open and operational for freight and commuters in just over 3 years time. With the advent of this, the pressure to deliver a direct link between Bedford and Cambridge will grow.

Aside from the economics, the concept of any resident being able to travel from Cambridge to Oxford in an hour has to be an exciting one. I for one look forward to the day when this vision is realised