Chiltern Railways’ charter showcases Cowley branch plans

Chiltern Railways ran a charter on the Cowley Branch on November 5, as the operator explained its plans for re-opening the line by 2020.

It wants to use the currently freight-only line, which closed to passengers in January 1963, and build two new stations at Oxford Science Park and Oxford Business Park. This will follow the launch of the operator’s Oxford-London Marylebone trains next year.

CR says the development would bring significant economic benefits for many businesses based in that part of Oxford. It believes re-opening the line to passengers would also improve connectivity from the southeast of Oxford to the city centre and beyond.

• For more information, read RAIL 762, published November 26