Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Monday, 18 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2026 (named day). It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

East West Rail Line

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department expects the first EWR services between Oxford and Milton Keynes to commence.

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. 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. 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