Date set for £1.3bn East West Rail line from Oxford

The Government says trains from Oxford to Milton Keynes are being lined up to appear in the December rail timetable.

In a written statement, rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “Chiltern worked with Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other operators on the December 2026 timetable and services have been timetabled between Oxford, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes.

“The department continues to work closely with Chiltern Railways and other partners to confirm a start date for the first East-West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes Central via Winslow.”

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East West Rail Action Group protesting outside Bletchley station (Image: Diana Blamires)

A public consultation on the East West Rail project is due to close tomorrow as work continues behind the scenes to bring passenger services closer to reality.

The start of services has been delayed by a dispute with rail unions about whether guards should be required for the new services.

The consultation invites residents, businesses and stakeholders to share their views on the next phase of the scheme, which aims to improve connectivity from Oxford, to Cambridge, through through Bicester Village, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes.

East West Railway Company confirmed that infrastructure for the section between Bicester and Bletchley was handed over to Network Rail in December 2024 following the completion of construction.

Chiltern Railways, which was named as the operator of the first stage between Oxford and Milton Keynes in March 2025, said “significant progress” has already been made in preparing for the launch.

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So far, more than 1,700 people have attended consultation events for East West Rail line (Image: Supplied)

This includes recruiting 44 trainee drivers, completing a new depot and colleague hub at Bletchley, and advancing work at Winslow Station, which is now in its testing and commissioning phase.

This includes recruiting 44 trainee drivers, completing a new depot and colleague hub at Bletchley, and advancing work at Winslow Station, which is now in its testing and commissioning phase.

“We continue to work closely with the Government, trade unions and industry partners, and will provide further updates when we are able to,” a spokesperson said.

Millions of pounds of funding has been allocated to create a new entrance at a railway station on the East West Rail route, which will eventually link Oxford and Cambridge.

The Government has put forward £17m to support construction of an eastern entrance to Bletchley station, on top of a commitment of up to £5m from Milton Keynes City Council in Buckinghamshire.

It will create a direct gateway between the station and Bletchley’s main high street, improving access for passengers and supporting businesses.