East West Rail working timetable drawn up as first freight train uses route

A provisional working timetable for services on East West Rail (EWR) has been created, just as the first freight train traverses the route.

A half-hourly service between Oxford and Milton Keynes has been drawn up, with end-to-end journey times of 45 minutes and intermediate stops at Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow and Bletchley High Level.

Some evening services will start and finish at Bletchley High Level, although exact timings are yet to be confirmed.

Despite the creation of the working timetable, there is still no date for the start of passenger services.

A spokesman for Chiltern Railways, which will operate trains on EWR, said: “A huge amount of work is underway in preparation for the introduction of passenger services between Oxford and Milton Keynes. The creation of a working timetable is one of the many steps needed to get the service ready.

“We are working closely with the Department for Transport and other partners to confirm a start date for the service as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile the first freight flows have started using the 35-mile route.

On Monday June 16, the 1104 Didcot-Northampton Gateway intermodal service, which was also the day the first freight trains began using the new terminal.

Operated by DB Cargo, a return working to Southampton ran along the route that evening.

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said: "The arrival of our first service via EWR is an important step in expanding UK rail freight capacity, providing businesses with a direct, low-carbon route from Southampton to the heart of the UK’s golden logistics triangle.

“This development demonstrates how infrastructure and private-sector investment can deliver a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, while easing pressure on a congested road network."