**East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes – Passenger Service Update – November 2025**
Since being announced as operator of the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes in March, we have been working at pace to get everything ready for services to begin on the new line.
Significant progress has been made, including the hiring and training of 44 train drivers, the creation of a new colleague facility at Bletchley, and the fit out of a new modern station with step-free access at Winslow.
However, there is work still to finish to prepare the trains, on Winslow station and on the operating arrangements for the new route. We are continuing to work with our partners on these to progress them as soon as possible.
This means that we will not be able to start passenger services before the end of the year. We understand this will be disappointing to people looking forward to using the new route.
We continue to work closely with Government, trade unions and industry partners, and will provide further updates when we are able to.
Serving six stations, the new route will transform economic and social connections in the area by linking Oxford and Milton Keynes with reliable and efficient rail services for the first time in nearly 60 years. The services will also support vibrant new and expanded communities, including new commercial and residential developments along the full East West Rail route.
Trains will stop at Oxford, Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central - providing easier and faster connectivity for passengers and local businesses.
To help deliver the new service, Chiltern has already expanded its excellent team, and we will welcome 94 permanent employees - including new drivers, station colleagues, and other key roles along the route.
Chiltern will also manage a new station in Winslow with two platforms and full step-free access. This new station will connect Winslow and surrounding communities to expanded employment opportunities, easier access to public services, and reduced reliance on road travel.
In being selected as the operator on the line Chiltern has agreed to meet a comprehensive framework of operating conditions and requirements set by the Department for Transport. Initial services will use Class 196 trains which will be branded in Chiltern colours.
Chiltern’s Managing Director Richard Allan said:
"The first stage of East West Rail will provide fast, direct train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and we are delighted that Chiltern has been announced as operator.
Chiltern has a proud track record of delivering new services and infrastructure, including our London to Oxford connections and introduction of new stations at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.
We are looking forward to carrying customers on this exciting new route which is set to make a critical contribution to the UK’s economic growth."
Development of the second and third stages of East West Rail are expected to start from 2030, with the Government having confirmed funding in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will passenger services begin on the line?
- Since being announced as operator of the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes in March, we have been working at pace to get everything ready for services to begin on the new line.
- However, there is work still to finish to prepare the trains, on Winslow station and on the operating arrangements for the new route. We are continuing to work with our partners on these to progress them as soon as possible.
- This means that we will not be able to start passenger services before the end of 2025. We understand this will be disappointing to people looking forward to using the new route.
- We continue to work closely with Government, trade unions and industry partners, and will provide further updates when we are able to.
- Why is the infrastructure complete, but passenger services haven’t started yet?
- The infrastructure for running trains opened in December 2024. While the core infrastructure is now in place, delivering a safe and reliable passenger service requires several additional steps.
- There is work still to finish to prepare the trains, on Winslow station and on the operating arrangements for the new route. We are continuing to work with our partners on these to progress them as soon as possible.
- We continue to work closely with Government, trade unions and industry partners, and will provide further updates when we are able to.
- How many services (per hour) will operate?
- Once fully operational two services will operate per hour between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
- What type of trains will be used for this service?
- Chiltern Railways will operate modern (Class 196) trains on the route. They offer a comfortable onboard experience including a mix of airline and table seating, accessible spaces and toilets, and digital customer information screens.
- Which stations will be served by this route?
The new service will connect:
● Oxford
● Oxford Parkway
● Bicester Village
● Winslow (newly constructed)
● Bletchley
● Milton Keynes Central
- Will ticket prices for this new route be the same as other Chiltern services?
- Ticketing details, including pricing, will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
- Who is responsible for deciding future service expansions beyond Milton Keynes?
- The East West Railway Company is developing the design for the route to take train services as far as Cambridge. Stage 2 of the plans will connect Oxford and Bedford (2030) and then Stage 3 will connect Oxford and Cambridge (Mid 2030’s). The future route planning options will go out to a formal public consultation, with decisions on future operations being taken by the Department for Transport.
- Will this new service impact level crossings, such as the London Road level crossing in Bicester?
- We recognise that residents and businesses in the Bicester have significant concerns about the future of the London Road level crossing. Analysis by Network Rail estimates that barrier downtime will increase from 10.6 minutes (at present) to 23.5 minutes every hour once services on the first stage of East West Rail start.
- East West Railway Company have proposed a series of options for the level crossing which include replacing the crossing with an overbridge or underpass for walking and cycling. A long-term decision on the level crossing will be taken by East West Rail and is subject to Department for Transport approval.
- What work has been carried out to prepare passenger services for operation?
- Significant progress has been made, including the hiring and training of 44 train drivers, the creation of a new colleague facility at Bletchley, and the fit out of a new modern station with step-free access at Winslow.
- What facilities will the new station at Winslow offer?
- Winslow station has been built to deliver a high quality customer experience. The station will have an open plan ticket hall with a staffed ticket desk and ticket vending machines. Lifts have been installed to provide step-free access to both platforms. Customers will also be able to access male, female and accessible toilets and we are working to engage a retailer to provide a grab and go food and drink offering for the ticket hall.
- How have Chiltern been engaging with route communities?
- Chiltern have engaged with stakeholders and community organisations to ensure the new rail service meets the needs of local people. This has included surveying residents in Winslow and surrounding villages as part of our Integrated Travel and Community Engagement plans for the new station.
- We have also delivered rail safety briefings for over 1000 local students, and are working with local groups to deliver community focused stations, including developing artwork and planting schemes.
If you have any more questions, please get in touch with our Contact Centre and a member of our team will be on hand to answer any queries.