New rail connection linking Oxford and Swindon announced

The Office for Rail and Road has approved Great Western Railway’s application to run a daily two-hourly direct rail service between the three places on weekdays and Saturdays.

The new service, which is hoped may become hourly in the future, builds on a Saturday trial of the new route.

The approved service is subject to Network Rail implementing level crossing safety measures.

A spokesman for the Office for Rail and Road said the two-hourly weekday and Saturday services between Oxford, Swindon and Bristol is effective from May 2026 to December 2027.

A Great Western Railway service (Image: Supplied)

He said this was agreed after analysing information and representations about the “impact on punctuality and reliability” as well as level crossing safety.

“However, this is subject to Network Rail first deciding upon and implementing reasonably practicable level crossing safety measures,” the Office for Rail and Road spokesman added.

“Network Rail will undertake a performance review of the two-hourly service before deciding on a long-term view on GWR’s proposal to run hourly services.”

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Great Western Railways’ spokesman said customers will be “disappointed” that the Office for Rail and Road fell short of agreeing to proposals to fully reinstate services.

“We will continue working closely with Network Rail and industry partners to understand what more can be done to introduce additional services as quickly and safely as possible,” he added.

There are no direct services between Oxford and Swindon. While there are frequent trains, passengers need to change at Didcot Parkway or Reading to travel between the two stations.

That extends what could be a short journey to more than 40 minutes as a minimum.

The approximately 30 mile drive to the Wiltshire town from Oxford takes roughly an hour down the A420 depending on traffic.

Swindon has frequently appeared in the annual ‘top 50 worst places to live in England’ list by satirical website ILiveHere.co.uk, ranking as high as eighth in 2023.

But despite this, studies have shown that a Oxford to Swindon corridor would deliver “substantial” economic, environmental and social benefits.

Susan Brown, Oxford City Council leader (Image: Oxford City Council)

It’s largely believed that by opening up a direct railway link, traffic congestion would be relieved on the A420 from Oxford city centre to Swindon.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, previously said: “A direct Oxford to Swindon rail service is very welcome news for Oxford.

“It would connect Oxford to the West and Bristol with a direct, reliable and sustainable public transport option, essential for supporting businesses, attracting investment and giving people better choices for commuting and leisure.”