Oxford is set for a major transport boost as the long-closed Cowley Branch Line is reopened for passenger services, reconnecting Cowley and Littlemore to the rail network for the first time since 1963.

Network Rail announced that funding has been secured to bring the line back into use, promising faster and greener travel for thousands of residents and workers across the city. The announcement was made by Network Rail’s Western route managing director Marcus Jones, alongside Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP and Rail Minister Lord Hendy.

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Once services begin, passengers will be able to travel from Cowley to Oxford station in just nine minutes, providing a direct link to London, the South West, and other major destinations. Two new stations — Oxford Cowley and Oxford Littlemore — will be built to serve the route, offering direct rail connections to major employment hubs including Oxford Science Park and Oxford Business Park.

Although the Cowley Branch Line is currently used for freight, it will undergo significant upgrades to accommodate passenger trains. Planned works include improvements to the single-track section, enhancements to the wider network south of Oxford, and modernisation of existing level crossings.