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<p>The full East West Rail (EWR) scheme (Oxford to Cambridge) is planned to be delivered,
and operational for passenger and freight services, by the end of the decade. We are
currently working hard with the East West Railway Company and Network Rail to develop
the right future service patterns for the scheme. This will help ensure that EWR objectives
are achieved and provide the best possible connectivity for the communities and customers.</p><p>
</p><p>Plans, including costs, for the whole scheme are still in development. We will
release further details in due course.</p><p> </p><p>Environmental implications and
ensuring economic sustainability have been important parts of the decision-making
process for the EWR scheme. <br></p><ul><li>A strategic objective of EWR is to provide
a sustainable and value for money transport solution to support economic growth in
the area. This is to be achieved by improving transport connections within the Oxford-Cambridge
Arc, and ensuring the line supports new housing development in the area.</li><li>The
EWR scheme aims to become a net-zero carbon railway. It is committed to protecting
the environment by finding approaches to delivery that avoid, minimise or mitigate
negative environmental impacts. As part of this, for example, the East West Railway
Company has committed to delivering biodiversity net gain in the area.</li></ul><p>
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