Rob Brighouse has been announced as the independent Chair of the newly formed Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group.
The group will champion coordinated rail investment to unlock growth, enhance connectivity, and support a sustainable, inclusive future for Oxford. One of the first priorities will be to help move forward plans to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers.
Rob joins representatives from the Department of Transport, Oxford Growth Commission, local MPs, Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council to form the advisory group.
About Rob Brighouse
Rob Brighouse C.Eng., F.I.C.E. F.I.o.D, has extensive experience in the rail industry, including leadership roles in major UK and international infrastructure projects. He was Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, where he oversaw record growth and opened the Oxford route. Rob also chaired the East West Railway Company and served as a Non-Executive Director on the Network Rail Board for over eight years. He continues to lead strategic transport initiatives and holds roles across public and charitable sectors.
Of his appointment, Rob Brighouse said:
“It is a great privilege to have been asked by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the Department for Transport to chair the newly formed Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group.
“Working in close collaboration with the Oxford Growth Commission, the Promoters’ Group creates a unique opportunity to ensure that the public and private sectors can come together to help unlock the opportunity for rail to play a central part in delivering the full growth potential in Oxford, in terms of homes and jobs, as well as helping to ensure optimum regional connectivity and to meet the wider regional ambitions.”
Reopening the Cowley Branch Line
Reopening the Cowley Branch Line will bring wide-ranging benefits to Oxford and the surrounding area.
It is forecast to attract almost one million return journeys each year, providing quicker and more sustainable connections between Cowley and the city center.
The scheme represents high value for money, supporting government growth priorities in areas of need, unlocking thousands of new homes, and enabling the creation of up to 10,000 new jobs. It will also help reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions, and provide the rail capacity needed to support East West Rail.
The Full Business Case was completed in July and submitted to the Department for Transport.
OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail
A consultation on OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail is taking place until 1 October on the County Council's website.
Among the priorities it sets out, as well as the Cowley Branch Line, are:
- Oxford Station – increasing capacity to support more services across the county and redeveloping it into a landmark station and national gateway.
- The Electrified Railway – building a zero-carbon network for Oxfordshire, anchored by the Electric Freight Spine.
- The Oxfordshire Metro – creating an integrated transport network that brings together rail, bus, walking and cycling.
- Proposed new stations to support growth – including new stations on the Cowley Branch Line and at Begbroke, Wantage & Grove and Ardley, alongside upgrades delivered through the Oxfordshire Stations Action Plan.
Comment
“I am pleased to welcome Rob Brighouse as the Chair of the Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will be key to our success.
“I look forward to working closely with Rob, and the rest of the group, to bring the Cowley Branch Line back into use for the people of Oxford, and to improve regional and national rail infrastructure.” Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
“The Cowley Branch Line project ticks many boxes in terms of reducing congestion, supporting net zero targets and improving the local economy. So we are thrilled that someone with Rob Brighouse’s expertise and experience has agreed to chair the Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group.
“We look forward to working with him and our partners on this scheme to unlock the benefits we know it will deliver to the city and the county. As well as developing the other items in our OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail to help shape the future of transport in the county.” Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council
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