Chiltern opens new London-Oxford line

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Chiltern Railways and Network Rail have formally launched the start of service on a new rail link between Oxford and London Marylebone.

The £320 million project included the construction of a new spur line connecting the Bicester Town to Oxford line to the Chiltern main line and two new stations: Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.

Chiltern will operate two fast services an hour throughout the day between Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village station and London.

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Investing in new rail links and train stations boosts the economy, providing opportunities for new housing and more jobs.

“By working closely with Chiltern Railways on this part of our Railway Upgrade Plan we have been able to deliver precisely what its customers want – a much-needed new transport option for Oxford-based business and leisure travellers to London. It will also help provide the capacity needed as rail travel is forecast to double over the next two decades.”

Chiltern Railways will cover £130 million of the project’s total cost, which it, and any future operator, will pay back to Network Rail over the next 30 years.

Chiltern Railways managing director, Rob Brighouse, said: “This is an historic day. Our significant and unique investment will economically advantageous for the regional economy creating competition in the rail market between Oxford and London, as well as delivering the first new service between a major British city and London for over 100 years.

“Passengers are at the heart of every decision we make at Chiltern Railways, which is why we conceived this new line to link London, Oxford and Bicester Village for the benefit of shoppers and commuters.”

1 COMMENT

  1. As Oxford Parkway station is fully opened. It could be the beginning of the East-West Rail Link with the new railway line to be built from Cambridge to Bedford, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Bicester, Oxford and Reading which is to be the newest railway line outside of London connecting the East of England with the Chilterns, Cotswoulds and West of England.

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