Reopening the Cowley Branch Line, an Accessibility & Inclusion Perspective

Time: 2 March 2026, 17:00 - 20:00

Where: Zoom

Speaker: Gerard Butler, Journey Planner Lead, Transport for London

Introduction:
October 2025 saw central government announce £120m of funding to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers and create two new stations at Oxford Cowley and Oxford Littlemore in south-east Oxford.
So far, £4.7m has been invested in feasibility work, and local partners will be asked to contribute £35m to the total construction cost. Both the city and county councils have already committed funds to this and will work with other landowners to secure further contributions.

Presentation aims:
We would like to focus on the accessibility and inclusion benefits which will be provided by the new station at Littlemore in particular, bearing in mind its close proximity to two of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Oxfordshire, at Blackbird Leys and Minchery Farm. We would like to learn more about engagement with, and reception from, these communities, and how it will benefit them in terms of access to work, education and leisure (This is distinct from inward access to the extended Science Park and new housing, although we would like to hear about these in the background detail)

There is likely to be a lot of broad interest in the presentation, within the CILT and beyond, so some background detail would be appreciated
•History of project
•Reasons for approval
•Details on new stations and services including implications for Oxford station, through London connectivity and regional commuting in the Thames Valley region.
•Delivery timescales
•Coordination with wider policies: integrated transport, housing, local development plans

Competencies:

Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at regions@ciltuk.org.uk