COUNTY COUNCIL – September 2025 PUBLIC QUESTIONS

QUESTION ASKED OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL:-

What do you think would be the Liberal Democrat County Council 's view, of asking the Public Transport Transport Officer Team, in the short term, to study developments along the East West Rail Transport Corridor and the Oxford - Chilterns - London Transport Corridor, and in the longer term, ONCE THE EAST WEST RAIL  LINK IS OPEN ONLY, promoting a new West to East railway line between Cheltenham and Kingham?

Respondent’s name: Cllr Roger Whyborn

The current best transport offers are every 2 hours by bus at the flat rate national fare, or 1.5hrs by train every hour with one change at £51.20 return.

Whilst the latter would be expected to improve with a direct rail link, the cost of doing even a basic feasibility study as to a business case would be huge.

Unlocking cross-border connections is a priority for GCC and the Council is supportive of rail schemes which are supported by a robust business case. However, there is no existing transport policy for introducing a new rail link between Cheltenham-Kingham, and we would be unable to contribute financially at this point in time.

Nevertheless, the Transport Officer team have regular contact with the rail industry and officers will continue to advocate for better cross-border rail connections, and improved fares.

Improving bus/coach links between Cheltenham-Oxford will continue to be explored by officers.