Network Rail and the rail industry are keen to see passenger services from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes which would maximise the return on East West Rail investment. Treasury rules on investment permit the wider benefits of investment to be included.
Cllr Steve Broadbent highlighted how the council had long campaigned for the rail link. The East West Mainline Partnership and Englands Economic Heartland have continued to develop the case and issued a brochure demonstarting the potential for a link from Northampton to Aylesbury. Wycombe and Old Oak Common. The brochure shows how the service would benefit the county abd the wide range of support.
Local MPs have long sought the service. Laura Kryke Smith raised the subject with Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury who agreed thta intercity connectivity was important to the Governmant's mission. Greg Smith, MP for Mid Bucks and Princes Risborough, has long pressed the case and observed how the last Government had funded East West Rail, It is hoped the scheme will be included in the Government's Spending Review with the emphasis of economic growth and quick wins.
Calum Anderson. MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, also raised the issue with DfT and was told the Government continued to consider the issue and had contacted the council with details of coats and the business case. Unfortunately , Lilian Greenwood did not specify which council as the MP covers Bucks and Milton Keynes councils! Neither council seems to know anything about her reply!
Cllr Bill Chapple, who has chaired the committee for many years, says the population growth of the past, present and future. has increased the potential customers and he hoped the service can be introduced. The Government want to even more homes and need to provide transport links. The Council had provided several millions for EWR on the assumption, Aylesbury would be included. He is not seeking re-eletion atthe elctions in May but hopes they would continue the fight. The fact that should improve the case further. post HS2 track re-instatement work reduces the cost of the link.
Meanwhile, the new station and car park at Winslow is almost complete and test and training trains are in operation. Winslow to Milton Keynes taking about 16 minutes and to Bicester about 14 minutes and Oxford 25 minutes. On this basis Aylesbury to MK should take about 40 minutes or so.
A Special Pathfinder train from Bristol travelled over the line on 15th. which highights the potetnial for improved connectivity for Bucks.