A stretch of the East West Rail line in Buckinghamshire, completed in 2024, remains without passenger services, leaving residents frustrated. The line, linking Oxford to Milton Keynes, is operational for freight trains but has no passenger trains running, despite promises.
Background of the Project
For over a decade, ministers have promoted the East West Rail project as a key transport link to boost housing, jobs, and growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, often dubbed the UK's Silicon Valley. The first phase from Oxford to Milton Keynes was finished in 2024.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the line in January 2025, citing it as essential for the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. She anticipated passenger services starting soon, with Chiltern Railways taking over in March 2025. However, services never began, and the start date was pushed to autumn and then end of 2025, with no current target.
Local Frustration
Residents in Winslow, Buckinghamshire, are particularly affected. Many bought homes near the new Winslow station based on promises of commuter services to London, Milton Keynes, or Oxford. Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, said, "People can see it and hear it but they can't use it."
Independent councillor Diana Blamires organized petitions and a protest at Bletchley station. She described the Department for Transport's (DfT) reasoning as "nonsense, pathetic, laughable." She noted that 4,500 people in Winslow are stuck without train services, forcing them to rely on buses.
Reasons for Delay
The exact reasons for the delay remain unclear. A dispute with unions over whether two-carriage trains require guards is widely believed to be a key issue, though the DfT and RMT union deny it is the main reason. Chiltern had planned driver-only operation, opposed by the RMT and Aslef.
Rail minister Peter Hendy's letter to Anderson in March cited the unexpected general election in July 2024 as interrupting contract negotiations with Chiltern. He also mentioned that trains needed modification, driver training, and the Winslow station handover were incomplete. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander stated that Chiltern is pursuing rolling stock modifications, station completion, and staffing arrangements.
Political Reactions
Olly Glover, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson and MP for Didcot and Wantage, called the election excuse "ridiculous" and the station problems a "red herring." He argued that the government and DfT made a late decision, have not resolved the impasse, and have no plan. He questioned how the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor can be delivered if the railway remains closed.
Project Management Issues
The East West Rail project involves multiple players, making accountability difficult. East West Railway Ltd, set up by former transport secretary Chris Grayling, handed the line and station over to Network Rail in 2024. Chiltern Railways cited unspecified station problems, including an emergency exit backing onto private land, now resolved.
A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed completion of construction at Winslow station and support for Chiltern's preparations. Chiltern stated "significant progress" and that the station is in testing and commissioning, but work remains on trains, the station, and operating arrangements.
The DfT only said it supports Chiltern in working with unions to start services as soon as possible. The RMT union denied blame, stating that delays stem from years of indecision, rising costs, and planning issues, not the industrial dispute.
Future Prospects
The long-term plan for the Oxford-Cambridge line includes further phases and consultations. The potential Universal Studios theme park in Bedford may bring more passengers but also delays. Hendy's letter suggested that the creation of Great British Railways, including nationalization of Chiltern, could simplify future implementation. However, locals fear that waiting for GBR may prolong the delay.
