In a significant step towards boosting connectivity and growth
between Oxford and Cambridge, the Rail Minister has today (25
March 2025) named Chiltern Railways as the operator for the first
stage of East West Rail.
This comes ahead of its 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,
bolstering the thriving life science cluster and supporting up to
28,000 jobs in Cambridge alone.
Serving 6 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 as part of our Plan for Change.
Rail Minister Peter, , said:
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.
This milestone demonstrates that we are serious about unlocking
the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, providing
greater connectivity across the region and delivering on our Plan
for Change mission to drive economic growth.
A brand-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.
Chiltern will manage the newly constructed station in Winslow,
opening up better employment opportunities, easier access to
public services and reduced reliance on road travel.
, Managing Director of
Chiltern Railways, said:
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.
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.
, CEO of East West Railway Co,
said:
This is a huge milestone which will allow Chiltern Railways to
deliver a much-needed rail service linking the dynamic cities of
Oxford and Milton Keynes, providing new opportunities for
commuters and leisure travellers alike.
This is the first part of East West Rail's vision to extend
services to Bedford and Cambridge, which will transform
connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for
economic growth.
The announcement comes following a 10-week consultation period
giving local people the chance to shape the second and third
stages of East West Rail, which will see the line reaching
Bedford from 2030 and Cambridge from the mid-2030s.
This outlined the government's aim for trains to be powered on
the route with greener traction and hybrid battery-electric
trains, which would result in cleaner and faster journeys for
passengers.
Gary Walsh, Route Director for West Coast South at Network Rail
said:
We're delighted by today's announcement, which is fantastic news
for passengers who will soon benefit from the new journey
opportunities that East West Rail provides between Milton Keynes
and Oxford.
Following completion of major construction, which included
installing 70km of new track, 17 brand new bridges and a modern
signalling system, we're working closely with our partners at
Chiltern Railways and the DfTahead of passenger services
starting later this year.
