New railway stations will help connect communities and boost local economies

28 July 2017

This is the second round of the New Stations Fund which is part of a £37 billion investment in new and re-opened stations from 2014 to 2019.

Lianna Etkind, Public Transport Campaigner, Campaign for Better Transport, said: “This announcement is great news for the many thousands of people who will now benefit from being connected to the rail network, opening up new jobs and life opportunities and boosting economies. New stations transform communities: improving access to jobs and services, help reduce road congestion and pollution and unlock development and tourism opportunities. We call on the Government to confirm the next round of the New Stations Fund as soon as possible, so more people can benefit from new stations.

“However, the process of opening or reopening a new station is often costly, inflexible and time consuming. In addition to investment, we’d like to see more strategic Government support so local authorities can plan rail connectivity for new developments, rather than adding to congestion and air pollution through new roads.”

Ends

For further information please contact:

Richard Watkins, Press Officer, at Campaign for Better Transport on 020 7566 6494 / 07984 773468 or richard.watkins@bettertransport.org.uk

Notes to editors

• Read the Department for Transport’ New Station Fund announcement here 
• Read Campaign for Better Transport’s Expanding the Railways  report which will help local authorities, developers and communities develop plans for adding new stations and lines to the network.
• Campaign for Better Transport has produced a list of the top 12 reopenings it believes have the strongest economic and social case for reopening. Read it here.
• The five stations to receive funding under the New Stations Fund are: 
  • Horden Peterlee in County Durham which will receive £4.4 million of DfTfunding towards a scheme worth £10.55 million
  • Warrington West in Cheshire, which will receive £4.23 million towards a total project cost of £17.2 million
  • Reading Green Park which will receive £2.3 million towards a total project cost of £16.5 million
  • Bow Street in Ceredigion, Wales which will receive £3.945 million towards a total project cost of £6.76 million
  • Portway Parkway near Bristol which will receive £1.672 million towards a total project cost of £2.23 million
• Campaign for Better Transport is the UK’s leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people’s lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929)