Rob Brighouse has been announced as chair of the newly formed Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group.
The group will work for co-ordinated rail investment in a bid to unlock growth, enhance connectivity and support a sustainable, inclusive future for Oxford. One of its first priorities will be to help move forward plans to reopen the Cowley Branch Line.
Rob joins representatives from the Department for Transport, Oxford Growth Commission, local MPs, Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council which form the advisory group.
The former managing director of Chiltern Railways has also chaired the East West Railway Company and served as non-executive director on the Network Rail Board for more than eight years.
Rob, who continues to lead strategic transport initiatives and holds roles across public and charitable sectors, said: “It is a great privilege to have been asked by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the Department for Transport to chair the newly formed Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group.
“Working in close collaboration with the Oxford Growth Commission, the promoters’ group creates a unique opportunity to ensure that the public and private sectors can come together to help unlock the opportunity for rail to play a central part in delivering the full growth potential in Oxford, in terms of homes and jobs, as well as helping to ensure optimum regional connectivity and to meet the wider regional ambitions.”
Cllr Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Cowley Branch Line project ticks many boxes in terms of reducing congestion, supporting net zero targets and improving the local economy. So we are thrilled that someone with Rob Brighouse’s expertise and experience has agreed to chair the Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group.
“We look forward to working with him and our partners on this scheme to unlock the benefits we know it will deliver to the city and the county. As well as developing the other items in our OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail to help shape the future of transport in the county.”
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