Chiltern Railways has been named the operator for the first stage of East West Rail, with services between Oxford and Milton Keynes expected to begin later this year. The announcement marks a crucial milestone in improving connectivity across the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, a key economic region for the UK.
The new East West Rail services will serve six stations and reconnect Oxford and Milton Keynes by rail for the first time in nearly 60 years. This development is expected to accelerate local economic regeneration, support new housing developments, and enhance public transport accessibility.
Rail Minister Peter, Lord Hendy, highlighted the significance of the project, stating: “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.”
Once fully operational, East West Rail is projected to generate GBP 6.7 billion in economic growth annually by 2050, with up to 28,000 new jobs created in Cambridge alone.
East West Rail: New stations and modern infrastructure
A key highlight of the project is the brand-new station at Winslow, reconnecting the town to the rail network for the first time since the 1960s. Trains will also stop at:
- Oxford Parkway
- Bicester Village
- Bletchley (revamped station)
Chiltern Railways will manage the new Winslow station, providing enhanced access to employment, public services, and reduced road congestion.
“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 the introduction of new stations at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village,” Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said.
Future Expansion
The government has also outlined plans for further expansion:
- By 2030 – Services will be extended to Bedford
- By the mid-2030s – Trains will run between Oxford and Cambridge
A 10-week public consultation recently allowed local residents to share feedback on the next phases of the project. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce hybrid battery-electric trains, ensuring greener and more efficient travel.
David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Co, emphasized the long-term vision: “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.”
Network Rail is working closely with Chiltern Railways and the Department for Transport (DfT) to finalise operational plans before services begin later this year. The project has already seen 70km of new track installed, 17 new bridges built, and a modern signalling system implemented.
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