30 minute rail service to Oxford could start running in 2026
The operational cost is expected to be in the “low single figure millions”
Swindon residents trying to get to Oxford might only need half an hour for their journeys in the future, as plans for an hourly direct rail service are progressing.
A new report by transport body England’s Economic Heartland (EEH) also says that while passengers currently have to change trains at Didcot, this could change as soon as next year.
A first trial of the new rail service, carried out by Great Western Railway (GWR) last weekend, was successful which means the plans are now subject to the government’s approval.
Will Stone, MP for Swindon North, said: “Given the relatively short distance between Swindon and Oxford, current connectivity is poor. An hourly train link will significantly cut down journey times by rail and will further strengthen the economic linkages between our two places in a mutually beneficial way.
“Swindon is one of the most productive towns in the UK, and with the Panattoni site developing, its employment offer will only grow to both local residents and the wider area. The route also offers the people of Swindon an easier path to working within Oxford as well as giving families a faster route to tour one of the UK's oldest cities, and will support both the economies of Swindon and Oxford to prosper and grow.”
The new service would also make it easier for people from Swindon to travel to Bicester Village and Milton Keynes, since only one change in Oxford would be necessary.
Going West, the service is set to provide another link from Swindon to Bristol.
The plans play a major role in EEH’s submission to the government’s consultation on its upcoming Spending Review, which will detail how public money will be distributed over the next years.
Operating the new rail service should not put too much of a financial strain on the government, though.
EEH is expecting the operational cost to be in the “low single figure millions”, which should be lower than the sum made back through passenger fares.
Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Next week we are hosting a major summit in Westminster where we will be encouraging senior figures from the worlds of finance, business and government to invest in Swindon.
“Part of that pitch will centre on how Swindon’s continued economic success is built on its excellent connectivity by road and rail so I’m fully behind the proposal to make the hourly direct train service to Oxford permanent. We are already fortunate that we are able to reap the benefits of the electrification of the Great Western Rail Line, and are strategically well placed to benefit from the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
“We are extremely keen to improve our transport links to Oxford and beyond working with partners from England’s Economic Heartland so we can strengthen our relationships with educational institutions and our businesses can forge closer alliances with each other across the region.”
Other institutions in favour of the plans include Oxfordshire County Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Great Western Railway and Network Rail.