Chiltern Railways selected as operator for the first stage of East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes

[paok]

Update from Chiltern yesterday:

Chiltern Railways selected as operator for the first stage of East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes | Chiltern Railways

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.

www.chilternrailways.co.uk

**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.

 

[70014IronDuke]

Update from Chiltern yesterday:

Chiltern Railways selected as operator for the first stage of East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes | Chiltern Railways

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.

www.chilternrailways.co.uk

"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. EVER."

There is so often so much criticism about modern journalists on here - but the journalists are often dependent on company information. And Chiltern have clearly got this wrong.

 

[PeterC]

"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. EVER."

There is so often so much criticism about modern journalists on here - but the journalists are often dependent on company information. And Chiltern have clearly got this wrong.

The New Town Designation Order was made the year before closure to passenger service 57 years ago.

 

[ChilliSauce]

It's a great pity that as part of Chiltern being the service provider between Oxford and Bletchley they weren't asked to take over Bletchley / Bedford .. The service Bedford / Bletchley is currently abysmal.. with LNW cancelling either claiming defective train or no staff.. Anyone running it has to be better than that shower !

 

[eisenach]

The New Town Designation Order was made the year before closure to passenger service 57 years ago.

It's a pity they did't join up the dots then. I suppose it was heading towards peak car time.

 

[norbitonflyer]

It's a great pity that as part of Chiltern being the service provider between Oxford and Bletchley they weren't asked to take over Bletchley / Bedford .. The service Bedford / Bletchley is currently abysmal.. with LNW cancelling either claiming defective train or no staff.. Anyone running it has to be better than that shower !

It wouild seem to make sense, especially as LNW have to maintain a microfleet of 150s to run it. Unfortunately, Chiltern doesn't have any units short enough to fit the Marston Vale platforms either.

 

[dorsetdesiro]

So the EWR is currently run in two parts, Oxford to Bletchley by Chiltern then from there to Bedford by LNR.

When the final bit to Cambridge is completed, there may be a third TOC for it as the whole EWR may not be completed and ready for a new fleet for the whole route as there is the Marston Vale to be extensively upgraded with new stations/relocations if this is not all done at the same time?

There may be two modern EWR parts with modern stock, with the older MV part in between run by 150s, for some time until all are fully integrated?

 

[A S Leib]

When the final bit to Cambridge is completed, there may be a third TOC for it

Will TOCs still exist in a meaningful sense by the time Bedford – Cambridge is built?

 

[zwk500]

Update from Chiltern yesterday:

Chiltern Railways selected as operator for the first stage of East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes | Chiltern Railways

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.

www.chilternrailways.co.uk

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.

Posts on another thread has suggested that the Unions had agreed to the method of working. If those posts are correct it seems odd for Chiltern to suggest that there are still issues outstanding on the operating arrangements.

Is anybody able to confirm what has actually been formally agreed between any of Chiltern, DfT, ASLEF and RMT?

 

[swt_passenger]

Will TOCs still exist in a meaningful sense by the time Bedford – Cambridge is built?

Traincrew depots and rolling stock depots, and route knowledge and traction knowledge, driver links, trade union agreements, etc, etc will all still exist. I reckon transferring routes to/from different operating bases will be as difficult as it ever was.

 

[DarloRich]

So the EWR is currently run in two parts, Oxford to Bletchley by Chiltern then from there to Bedford by LNR.

It isn't one service at resent. The Marston Vale section is still "old"

There may be two modern EWR parts with modern stock, with the older MV part in between run by 150s, for some time until all are fully integrated?

Yes, until E-W close all of our stations it will run as two operations.

 

[PLY2AYS]

Posts on another thread has suggested that the Unions had agreed to the method of working. If those posts are correct it seems odd for Chiltern to suggest that there are still issues outstanding on the operating arrangements.

Is anybody able to confirm what has actually been formally agreed between any of Chiltern, DfT, ASLEF and RMT?

An email, since redacted and apologised for by Chiltern, was sent in error or ignorance about an agreement being made.

Neither union had been consulted over the release of this email to company members (and subsequently the press), nor have any agreements been made.

Since then ASLEF and RMT have publicly written to union members and members of Parliament over the issues and shortcomings of the line and traction, as well as concerns over the methods of working.

 

[70014IronDuke]

The New Town Designation Order was made the year before closure to passenger service 57 years ago.

And? So what? Milton Keynes only got its branded station in 1982 (according to Wiki, couldn't remember). So it could not have possbily been served by the old Oxford - Bletchley service.

Hence the Chiltern 'information' is incorrect. There has never been an Oxford - MK service.

But thanks for the time of the New Town Designation Order - this fits my memory as a teenager that the new town was to be built before the closure of Cambridge to Oxford was announced.

 

[Starmill]

And? So what?

So... You're being pedantic for it's own sake?

 

[PLY2AYS]

And? So what? Milton Keynes only got its branded station in 1982 (according to Wiki, couldn't remember). So it could not have possbily been served by the old Oxford - Bletchley service.

Hence the Chiltern 'information' is incorrect. There has never been an Oxford - MK service.

But thanks for the time of the New Town Designation Order - this fits my memory as a teenager that the new town was to be built before the closure of Cambridge to Oxford was announced.

Technically, the excerpt could be correct?

Since it only states ‘rail services’ not necessarily ‘passenger services’…

If I’m misinformed about freight however, I’ll happily take this as a learning point.

 

[BlueLeanie]

Well, that's a disappointment. Even though it is not a surprise.

And? So what? Milton Keynes only got its branded station in 1982 (according to Wiki, couldn't remember). So it could not have possbily been served by the old Oxford - Bletchley service.

Hence the Chiltern 'information' is incorrect. There has never been an Oxford - MK service.

But thanks for the time of the New Town Designation Order - this fits my memory as a teenager that the new town was to be built before the closure of Cambridge to Oxford was announced.

Never?

The line didn't officially get mothballed until the late 1990s.

In those 15 years was there never an XC diversion that stopped in Oxford and MK? Or even a Christmas shopper special?

 

[jfollows]

I’m sure BR did diversions Oxford-Bletchley-Milton Keynes occasionally; I didn’t go on them myself simply because I’d been over the line already.

 

[WolvertonWorks]

And? So what? Milton Keynes only got its branded station in 1982 (according to Wiki, couldn't remember). So it could not have possbily been served by the old Oxford - Bletchley service.

Hence the Chiltern 'information' is incorrect. There has never been an Oxford - MK service.

But thanks for the time of the New Town Designation Order - this fits my memory as a teenager that the new town was to be built before the closure of Cambridge to Oxford was announced.

23rd January 1967 - so in just over twelve months time we will be celebrating our 60th birthday, maybe, just maybe with a passenger service running between MKC and Oxford

 

[warwickshire]

I’m sure BR did diversions Oxford-Bletchley-Milton Keynes occasionally; I didn’t go on them myself simply because I’d been over the line already.

Yes, they did, more imprortanly, before July 1993, of when the final few 116/117 slam door dmu left Chiltern Br division, hence the 3 cars being a little late, for Chlilern, due to the Thames Br division, being a little late in receieving its Networkers, meant some of the Chiltern 3 Car Networkers was on hire to Thames br division on the Reading Thames services again until 1993.

However that did mean from 1991 to 1993, with, Chilterns dimmishing and coming to a end of Dmu 116/117 classes etc, they was going to Reqular Maintaince, to Bletchley depot, from Aylesbury, via Claydon as Aylesbury depot was getting equipped for the Turbos, and Bletchley depot, obviuously maintained the Dmu 116/117 for maintaince including the Marston Vale,


Also more interestingly, there also was unit swaps and maintaince, moves, with the hired in Turbos between Chiltern and Thames to Reading via Bicester, Claydon Jct to Aylesbury.

So in fact until to around 1993 Br Chiltern divison ie Network South East did.operate on the line, throughout, ablight empties,

Same year as through passenger services , started on the line between London Marleybone and Birmingham, with the Turbos,

33 years later, this section of line, will eventually reopen again for Chiltern but passenger wise,

Meanwhile London to Birmingham sees a major uplift mk5 and locomotives majority of services and major unturn of when guards was fully removed on services until around 2010, a few got converted back to guards on board due to loco hauled, of where the large majority of services will be guard operated on the mk5,

 

[sad1e]

Christmas shopper special?

irrc the Christmas shopper specials did Aylesbury - Milton Keynes Central, Not Oxford.

 

[fishwomp]

In those 15 years was there never an XC diversion that stopped in Oxford and MK? Or even a Christmas shopper special?

Pedantically it would be a Table 51(?) service, not an XC.. but I too would be interested to know.

irrc the Christmas shopper specials did Aylesbury - Milton Keynes Central, Not Oxford.

The 1990 PSUL (https://www.branchline.uk/psul/1990-1.pdf) notes:

Aylesbury – Claydon LNE Junction – Denbigh Hall South Junction [W37]
Christmas shopping excursions: Saturdays 3, 10 and 17 November 1990:
0824 Marylebone – Milton Keynes Central
1610 Milton Keynes Central - Marylebone

[notes: part of route is in London Midland Region]
Service did not resume in 1991

 

[Wyrleybart]

I have laughed out loud at this. It was another shocker of a scheme.

Just had a bit of a "Gxxxxx" search of Lidlington station from the Station road end on the level crossing. I assume the signal halfway down the platform is supposed to protect the level crossing, but Network Rail / ORR / RSSB clearly didn't think it would need to extend the platform back to provide the same length, this condemning the station to restricted trains for evermore.

 

[Siemens Staines]

Well, that's a disappointment. Even though it is not a surprise.


Never?

The line didn't officially get mothballed until the late 1990s.

In those 15 years was there never an XC diversion that stopped in Oxford and MK? Or even a Christmas shopper special?

In the early hours of Sun 12.03.89 I travelled on 1V33 2200(Sat) Glasgow Central - Plymouth from Carlisle to Oxford. Traction and route was

47646 Carlisle to Wigan North Western via S&C and Farrington curve
87019 Wigan North Western to Crewe
47611 Crewe to Oxford via Trent Valley and Milton Keynes

So a service, that later became XC, via Milton Keynes to Oxford but I do not recall it calling Milton Keynes as there is no reason why it should. That said, I think that it must have stopped somewhere for a crew change for a crew that knew the route via Bicester, or even just to pick up a pilot man. That detail is lost to my grey cells.

 

[Deepgreen]

Will TOCs still exist in a meaningful sense by the time Bedford – Cambridge is built?

One can only hope not.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Will TOCs still exist in a meaningful sense by the time Bedford – Cambridge is built?

Technically, I don't think they do now. I believe the DfT had the operators sign Train Service Contracts and I think that is what Modern Railways editorial staff describe them was.

I also understand there is a timetable for taking the operations "back into" control. I think the organisation is called DFTO as the transient into GBR and believe WMR is the next in February 2026, after AR last month. Slated to be completed by October 2027 there are another six operations after WMR, by which time the Northern 150/1s will have run a few thousand more miles and gotten a little older.

 

[AlterEgo]

And? So what? Milton Keynes only got its branded station in 1982 (according to Wiki, couldn't remember). So it could not have possbily been served by the old Oxford - Bletchley service.

Bletchley is in Milton Keynes and served as its railhead for nearly 15 years; the point is the line was just about to become very relevant again, and a major railway serving it was axed.

 

[DarloRich]

The statement from Chiltern is, in fact, a non statement. It is just to fill space and respond ( poorly) to the growing noise about the lack of a service.

it has got further than local moaning. it is now in the national media with politicians of several rosettes asking questions in parliament

I think that it must have stopped somewhere for a crew change for a crew that knew the route via Bicester, or even just to pick up a pilot man. That detail is lost to my grey cells.

At the foot of the flyover to pick someone up from Bletchley depot?

 

[PLY2AYS]

it has got further than local moaning. it is now in the national media with politicians of several rosettes asking questions in parliament

And rightly so… there’s a lot of questions that need answering from the higher ups about this whole debacle.

Accountability is required from those who naively overpromised and/or neglected to plan properly.

 

[DarloRich]

Accountability is required from those who naively overpromised and/or neglected to plan properly.

another use of the word "accountability" - what does that even mean? If you want someone put in the stocks and pelted with rotten fruit in public just say so!

However, will that help get a service running?

there’s a lot of questions that need answering from the higher ups about this whole debacle.

yeah, ok - but that statement is an attempt to block/defect questions not answer them.

 

[PLY2AYS]

another use of the word "accountability" - what does that even mean? If you want someone put in the stocks and pelted with rotten fruit in public just say so!

However, will that help get a service running?


yeah, ok - but that statement is an attempt to block/defect questions not answer them.

Accountability comes in many forms. Especially financial when the DfT can fine companies for not fulfilling contractual or service obligations.

It doesn’t necessarily come down to just one person’s fault on this, this is a systematic failing of culture to work with industry partners/stakeholders, bodies, workers and unions.

Accountability also means transparency over the shortcomings and exoneration of blame for others who have been wrongly accused of holding up processes or general obstinance.