A new rail line, connecting Oxford city centre and London, has been opened by Network Rail and Chiltern Railways. The project follows a £320 million investment by the franchise operator and the infrastructure manager.

The link sees central Oxford connected to Marylebone in London via new stations Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.

Chiltern's new service offers commuters from Oxford an alternative to travelling into London. It will offer two new trains per hour throughout the day between Oxford and London Marylebone with journey times to the capital from around an hour.

The idea for the line was put forward by Chiltern Railways who invested £130m of the £320m total cost. Network Rail constructed the line on time and within budget as part of the wider East West Rail project, contributing £190m.

Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said: "This is the first new rail link between a major British city and the capital in 100 years and also a shining example of partnership working between the private and public sector.


"Travellers to and from London Marylebone and Oxford will get increased choice, more trains and faster journey times. The link is also an important part of the new East West line to be built between Oxford and Cambridge and will bring growth and prosperity to this corner of Britain."

Dave Penney, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, added: "This is a significant milestone in the history of Chiltern Railways. The new line delivers meaningful benefits for those living and working in the region and will be economically advantageous for the regional economy.

"It creates direct competition in the rail market between Oxford and London giving customers a real choice and flexibility, as well as delivering the first new service between a major British city and London for over 100 years."

Mark Carne, Chief Executive of Network Rail, commented: "I am delighted that Network Rail has delivered the first part of East West Rail on time and on budget for our customers.

"What's really satisfying is how this happened: Chiltern told us what their customers wanted and put up some money, then Network Rail, working closely with Chiltern, made it happen.

"Privately-funded railway upgrades to improve service based on customers' needs – that is exactly what Network Rail is all about. Here's to many more railway upgrades following this model in future."



Image: Network Rail and Chiltern Railways open the new rail line connecting Oxford city centre and London. At the train naming ceremony at Oxford station – Dave Penney, Chiltern Railways; Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport; Michael Portillo; Mark Carne, Network Rail.



(JP)