The Ministry of Transport in the UK has announced GBP 794 million (US$ 1.08 billion) investment package to reopen 2 important rail routes closed more than 50 years ago. The new funding includes GBP 760 million (US$ 1.03 billion) for the delivery of the next phase of East-West Rail and reinstates direct rail services between Bicester and Bletchley for the first time since 1968. The works between Bicester and Bletchley will include the construction of a new station at Winslow, as well as enhancements to existing stations along the route, including Bletchley. By 2025, 2 trains per hour will run between Oxford and Milton Keynes via Bletchley.

The package also includes GBP 34 million (US$ 46.52 million) to rapidly progress plans to reopen the Northumberland line between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Ashington, which closed to passengers in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts.