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Written question asked by Jerome Mayhew (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Keir Mather (Labour) on Thursday, 2 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


East West Rail Line

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the first East West Rail services are expected to operate from Bicester to Winslow.

Answer

The Department continues to work closely with Chiltern Railways and other partners to confirm a start date for the first East-West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes Central via Winslow. For passenger services to commence, trains will need to have been modified and fully tested, and driver training will need to have been completed. Winslow Station also needs to be fully handed over, and future staffing arrangements also remain to be agreed. Appointment of Chiltern Railways as operator was delayed by the sudden General Election in July 2024, and consequently they were not appointed until March 2025.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
122298
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Bicester East West Rail line Winslow
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk