Watch: First train completes journey over East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes

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Watch: First train completes journey over East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes

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The first train on East West Rail at Bletchley. Credit: Network Rail
The first train on East West Rail at Bletchley. Credit: Network Rail

Monday, 21st October was a cause for celebration on the East West Rail project that will ultimately link and Cambridge by rail when the first train successfully completed a test run between Oxford and .

The train was run as part of testing that the route is fit for purpose and was operated by and its partners at Chiltern Railways.

The section of line between Bicester and Bletchley has been newly constructed, and the successful running of the train brings the route closer to reopening for passengers after being closed nearly 60 years ago.

The East West Rail test train at Winslow. Credit: Network Rail
The East West Rail test train at . Credit: Network Rail

A Chiltern Class 168 was used as the test train. It departed from Oxford station at 9.43 am, and at Bicester, it joined the newly constructed section of the line and travelled via Winslow and to Milton Keynes Central on the West Coast Main Line where it arrived at 10.25 am.

Several times during the test run, the train reached the full line speed of 100mph.

The test train passes the new East West Rail platforms at Bletchley. // Credit: Network Rail

“Today is a huge milestone for the East West Rail project.  I am incredibly proud of the partnership between Network Rail, our East West Rail Alliance supply chain partners, the DfT, EWR Company and Chiltern Railways, in successfully completing the construction and entry into service of the new railway between Bicester and Bletchley.
“The running of our first test train today is a huge achievement and brings us one step closer to restoring train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes for passengers.”

Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Director of Capital Delivery
The East West Rail test train at Winslow. Credit: Network Rail
The East West Rail test train approaches Winslow. Credit: Network Rail

“I am delighted that Chiltern will be running the first series of test trains between Oxford and Milton Keynes.”
“Working with colleagues at Network Rail and the EWR Alliance this important step in the programme will ensure the infrastructure is ready for passenger service in the future.”

Rianna Stanwell, Programme Director at Chiltern Railways
The East West Rail test train at Steeple Claydon. Credit: Network Rail
The East West Rail test train at Steeple Claydon. Credit: Network Rail

“This is a fantastic achievement and an extremely proud moment for everyone here at East West Rail.
“I would like to thank all our colleagues at the East West Rail Alliance who have worked so hard to rebuild this railway and in particular, our local communities for their continued patience and understanding during the construction works.
“We can all now look forward to passenger services beginning next year and delivering the improved connectivity which this region so desperately needs.”  

David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company

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  1. The Bedford-Cambridge section should be given the go ahead and new railway stations to be added including at Tempsford and Cambourne. And the new Cambridge South station that is set to open sometime next year.

  2. The opportunity should have been taken to announce exactly when passenger services will start. Saying ‘next year’ is simply not good enough.

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