Swindon and Oxford council leaders have welcomed the Government’s support to progress a two-hourly direct rail service between the two stations.
The regular rail link would build on a successful Saturday trial, which saw Great Western Railway operate direct Saturday services between Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford that call at Swindon.
The trial showed the service was well used by passengers and confirmed there is sufficient track capacity without requiring new infrastructure, which was a key factor in making the case to the Government.
Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, has publicly supported the restoration of the service which last ran in the early 2000s.
The Minister’s letter to Swindon Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, marks a significant milestone in the campaign to secure a permanent service between the two places.
Swindon to Oxford rail service
The support from Government aligns with the ambitions of councils across the region to establish a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), which could unlock up to £18.7bn in additional economic output by 2040.
Councillor Robbins said: “This is exactly the kind of practical, high‑impact improvement our region needs and we have worked tirelessly to make the case that Swindon deserves better, more sustainable transport links.
“The Minister’s response shows our message is getting through.”
Swindon Borough Council’s Member for Finance, Councillor Kevin Small, said that the direct services would ‘boost commuting, tourism and supply-chain connections, while providing quicker, greener travel and reducing congestion on the A420’.
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, added: “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.
“Lord Hendy’s support also aligns with the ambitions of the councils across the region for a Thames Valley Strategic Authority, which could unlock further economic growth by Government devolving more control over transport policy to local areas.
“A direct service between Swindon and Oxford would exemplify that approach, improving mobility, strengthening communities and making the Thames Valley region an even more attractive place for investment.
“With projects like the Cowley Branch Line and Oxford Station now moving forward, Oxford has shown what can be achieved when local and national partners work together to deliver better rail options, and this proposal builds on that.”
© Western Whistle (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
This article and its contents are the intellectual property of UK Property Forums and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form without prior written permission. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not constitute legal or professional advice.
