Train operator named with faster connections to the west promised.
The operator of the new East West Rail services has been named. Chiltern Railways will run the first section of East West Rail, the Government has announced.
It comes ahead of a planned launch later this year, which will support almost 100 new jobs at Chiltern, boost local economies along the route and see passengers benefit from slashed journey times and better access to jobs, education and business opportunities.
When delivered in full, East West Rail is set to generate £6.7 billion of growth per year in Oxford-Cambridge by 2050. Serving six stations, the new line will initially link Oxford and Milton Keynes for the first time in nearly 60 years, accelerating the regeneration of town centres and helping build new homes across the full line.
Trains will stop at Oxford, Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central. Chiltern Railways has agreed to meet a comprehensive framework of operating conditions and requirements set by the Department for Transport. Initial services will use Class 196 trains which will be branded in Chiltern colours.
“Appointing Chiltern Railways to run the first East West Rail services is one of the crucial last steps in getting the line up and running later this year and means local people in the area are closer to experiencing the benefits of this transformative project,” said Rail Minister Lord Hendy.
“A new station at Winslow will reconnect the town to the rail network for the first time since the 1960s, with trains also stopping at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village and a revamped Bletchley station along the new line.”
“The first stage of East West Rail will provide fast, direct train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and we are delighted that Chiltern has been announced as operator,” said Richard Allan, managing director, Chiltern Railways.
“Chiltern has a proud track record of delivering new services and infrastructure, including our London to Oxford connections and introduction of new stations at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village. We are looking forward to carrying customers on this exciting new route which is set to make a critical contribution to the UK’s economic growth.”
Chiltern has expanded its team and will bring in 94 permanent employees, including drivers, station colleagues and other key roles along the route. Development of the second and third stages of East West Rail are expected to start from 2030, with the Government having confirmed funding in January.
