Written question asked by Rebecca Smith (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

East West Rail Line

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in which month will the first East West Rail services operate from Winslow to Bletchley.

Answer: The Department continues to work closely with Chiltern Railways and other partners to confirm a start date for the first EWR 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.

Secondary information