BRTA Press Release 11-06-2026 Keep radial rail links and stations options 'open' call

 BRTA Press Release 11-06-2026  Keep radial rail links and stations

options 'open' call

re: Mike Reader MP for Northampton South calls for reopening the

Bedford-Northampton rail link.

The British Regional Transport Association (BRTA) welcomes Mike Reader

MP's support and lead on the rail link project and his representation

to Lord Hendy the Minister for Rail.

The line was a secondary route and was underplayed from the post war

period to closure, but studies showed in the 21st century, that a

rebuild with select 'new build' would serve a new purpose for both

passenger and freight by rail and would be viable, offering modal

choice not currently available.

BRTA has called for retention of land north of Bromham Bedford, to

enable the rail link to link with Bedford Midland and the emergent

East-West Rail Link (Oxford-Bedford-Cambridge) and that 93 dwellings

can go anywhere, not located on greenbelt off a cul de sac!

We welcome West Northamptonshire Council's interest in reopening local

rail links and would welcome their support for an updated study for a

new Northampton-Bedford rail link. We call for collaboration and

cooperation between all councils, agencies and developments like

Universal Theme Park as better connectivity and modal choices by rail

enables less side-effects of mega traffic flows on the roads, reduced

congestion if rail can help deliver the volumes of people sustainably.

It is envisaged a Thameslink style modern electric train can transit

between Northampton and Bedford in about 30 minutes and that would be

competitive by road. It would save land as without the rail link, not

only would a large population like Northampton be disenfranchised, but

also means less parking land would be devoured as a result of

reopening the rail link, giving better access.

BRTA CEO Richard Pill said "Although the 11th hour in route protection

terms at both ends, the robust case and obvious demand for more and

better rail links radial from Bedford and the link with Northampton,

means the government should ensure the viability and engineering of a

new railway can be achieved in the short to medium term. The A428

corridor is growing in piecemeal development terms and these need

tailoring to ensure a viable route can be practically implemented. If

it does, footfall and spending minus the congestion is likely,

boosting businesses and service as well as all ages mobility."

BRTA will continue to follow these positive leads and very much hopes

everyone in positions of power and responsibility will collaborate for

a once in a lifetime opportunity this rail link offers to boost

Bedford and Northampton economies without costing the earth!

Currently there is a 21.5 mile gap in the rail network between Bedford

and Northampton, two main lines, one of which links Brighton, London

and 2 airports with Bedford and another which links Northampton with

Coventry and Birmingham and other radial lines. In short, this

relatively short rail link would, with East-West Rail, inform many

more opportunities on and off the rails.

End of Press Release

Further comment: Richard Pill ceo@brtarail.com  (Bedford) and Professor

Andrew N. Williams 07923 489254 (Northampton)