ECH Shares 5G Railway Project at Rail in Oxfordshire and the Midlands Conference
We were delighted to participate in the Rail in Oxfordshire and the Midlands conference at the end of March, where we showcased our 5G Railway project. This event, which focused on enhancing train services in the county and the wider region, attracted over 160 delegates, including MPs, councillors, rail chiefs, and industry experts. It was held at the Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, and hosted by Modern Railways.
The conference covered a range of important topics, such as the campaign to electrify Oxfordshire’s railways, ongoing investment in Oxford station, and support for the Cowley Branch Line. Oxfordshire County Council’s rail development lead, Pete Brunskill, was a key speaker and helped to organise the event along with the council’s transport planning team. The council’s Place Shaping team, who have been working on an Oxfordshire Story to promote the county and its sustainable development, also attended.
We were grateful for the opportunity to attend and highlight the importance of connectivity on trains. While people and goods getting from A to B is the priority of rail transport, the need for quality connectivity shouldn’t be understated.
Passenger connectivity on trains is crucial today for several reasons:
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Improves travel experience for passengers
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Supports the local economy
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Enhances operational efficiencies for rail companies
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Addresses the digital divide
Let’s unpack these in more detail.
Improves travel experience for passengers
Enhancing passenger connectivity through onboard Wi-Fi and mobile networks significantly improves the travel experience. It allows passengers to stay connected, work remotely, and access entertainment during their journeys, making train travel more attractive and convenient.
Supports the local economy
Secondly, improved connectivity supports the local economy by enabling better communication and data transfer for businesses. Our 5G rail project between Bicester and Bletchley aims to provide enhanced connectivity not only for passengers but also for trackside businesses and rural communities. This connectivity can support agri-tech applications, business parks, and public services, thereby fostering economic growth and innovation.
As Professor Irene Tracey mentioned, the Oxford-Cambridge region is a “powerhouse of innovation and an economic crown jewel.” Enhanced rail connectivity supports this by facilitating the movement of people, ideas, and resources between these two hubs of innovation. It allows researchers, students, and professionals to collaborate more easily, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge exchange and innovation.
Moreover, Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ vision of developing the area into “Europe’s Silicon Valley” underscores the importance of connectivity in harnessing economic and research opportunities. Improved rail services can attract businesses and talent to the region, making it a more attractive place to live and work. This growth corridor aims to create a seamless link between Oxford and Cambridge, enabling better access to jobs, education, and research facilities.
Enhances operational efficiencies for rail companies
Additionally, better connectivity can enhance operational efficiency for train companies. They can offload data collected onboard for operational purposes, improving service reliability and safety. This is particularly important for projects like the East West Rail, which aims to connect Oxford and Cambridge, enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
Addresses the digital divide
Lastly, projects like our 5G rail initiative represent a leap forward in addressing digital inequality. By providing connectivity to rural not-spots, these projects help bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all communities have access to modern digital services.
Overall, passenger connectivity on trains is a key component of modernising Oxfordshire’s transport infrastructure, supporting economic development, and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
