Chiltern Railways announced as operator for the first stage of East West Rail

Chiltern Railways has been selected by the Department for Transport as the passenger service operator for the first stage of East West Rail, between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

Services will support regional economic growth and provide easier and faster connectivity with trains calling at Oxford, Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central along the route.

Chiltern will be the station facility operator of the new step free access station at Winslow, improving rail connectivity for rural communities in Buckinghamshire.

Additional services operating will provide an opportunity to build on the social value Chiltern already generates, including the £1.49bn in benefits delivered along our existing routes in 2024 through enabling economic activity, providing social connections, and protecting the environment.

The operation of services will see 94 new permanent jobs being created within Chiltern and will support wider job creation and development schemes such as the planned growth of Bicester Village, the proposed 16,000 seat Oxford United Stadium at Oxford Parkway and the Puy Du Fou entertainment park near Bicester.

The Department for Transport and Chiltern Railways have been working closely together to support mobilisation, including delivering additional colleague accommodation at Bletchley and the recruitment and training of 44 drivers. We are also supporting Network Rail in undertaking train testing on the route. These steps are all progressing to ensure a smooth and safe launch of passenger services later this year.

Services will be operated using a dedicated fleet of Class 196 trains. These trains are modern and reliable, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers. The trains will be re-branded in Chiltern colours in due course.

Chiltern Railways is working closely with the Department for Transport to mobilise passenger services this year and will keep sharing updates as the project progresses. Please do not hesitate to get in touch in the meantime or reach out if your organisation would like a follow-up briefing from their Stakeholder Team.

Stakeholder queries: Stakeholders@chilternrailways.co.uk

For further information please visit: Oxford to Milton Keynes