Chiltern Railways to Run East West Rail’s Oxford-Milton Keynes Route

Chiltern Railways has been chosen as the operator for the first phase of East West Rail, connecting Oxford to Milton Keynes.

Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, commented on the announcement:

“I am pleased to confirm that the Department for Transport has selected Chiltern Railways to operate passenger services for the first stage of East West Rail, between Oxford and Milton Keynes”.

The services will support economic growth in the region and enhance connectivity, with trains stopping at Oxford, Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow, Bletchley, and Milton Keynes Central.

Chiltern Railways will also manage the new step-free Winslow station, improving rail access for rural communities in Buckinghamshire.

The additional services will build on the social and economic value Chiltern already provides, including £1.49 billion in benefits delivered across its existing routes in 2024 through economic activity, social connections, and environmental efforts.

Operating these services will create 94 new permanent jobs at Chiltern and contribute to wider job growth and development projects, such as the expansion of Bicester Village, the proposed 16,000-seat Oxford United Stadium at Oxford Parkway, and the Puy du Fou entertainment park near Bicester.

Chiltern Railways is working closely with the Department for Transport to prepare for the launch, including providing additional staff accommodation at Bletchley and recruiting and training 44 drivers.

The company is also supporting Network Rail with train testing on the route. These efforts are moving forward to ensure a safe and successful start to passenger services later this year.

The services will be operated using a dedicated fleet of modern, reliable Class 196 trains, which will be rebranded in Chiltern’s colours in due course.