A test train pulls into the new East West Rail line station at Winslow near Buckingham.
CHILTERN Railways is to operate the trains to run on the East West Rail line.
The first services are due to depart later this year between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
The decision is expected to create almost 100 new jobs at Chiltern Railways. Once open, the line is expected to boost the local economy along the route, bringing shorter journey times and improved job, business and education opportunities.
Serving six stations – including a new one at Winslow near Buckingham – the new line will initially link Oxford and Milton Keynes for the first time in nearly 60 years, accelerating the regeneration of town centres and helping build new homes, said Rail Minister Lord Hendy.
“Appointing Chiltern Railways to run the first East West Rail services is one of the crucial last steps in getting the line up and running later this year and means local people in the area are closer to experiencing the benefits of this transformative project,” Lord Hendy added.
“This milestone demonstrates that we are serious about unlocking the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, providing greater connectivity across the region and delivering on our Plan for Change mission to drive economic growth.”
A brand-new station at Winslow will reconnect the town to the rail network for the first time since the 1960s. East West Rail trains will aso stop at a revamped Bletchley station, at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.
Chiltern will manage the station in Winslow.
East West Railway Company’s chief executive David Hughes said: “This is a huge milestone which will allow Chiltern Railways to deliver a much-needed rail service linking the dynamic cities of Oxford and Milton Keynes, providing new opportunities for commuters and leisure travellers alike.
“This is the first part of East West Rail’s vision to extend services to Bedford and Cambridge, which will transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.”
Network Rail has overseen the installation of 70 kilometres of new track, 17 new bridges and a state-of-the-art signalling system. Its West Coast South route director Gary Walsh described the announcement as “fantastic news for passengers.”
He added: “We are working closely with our partners at Chiltern Railways and the DfT ahead of passenger services starting later this year.”
Chiltern Railways managing director Richard Allen 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.”
The announcement comes following a ten-week consultation period giving local people the chance to shape the second and third stages of East West Rail, which will see the line reaching Bedford from 2030 and Cambridge from the mid-2030s.
This outlined the government’s aim for trains to be powered on the route with greener traction and hybrid battery-electric trains, which would result in cleaner and faster journeys for passengers.
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