COMMUTERS in North Oxford and Kidlington can look forward to a new train service to London within three years, says Rail boss Rob Brighouse.

Mr Brighouse, managing director of Chiltern Railways, is optimistic the £130m service from Oxford to London Marylebone will be agreed by a public inquiry. The inspector’s conclusion is due to be announced in January.

Mr Brighouse said: “I am expecting a positive result and, if so, we are planning for the first trains to be running by May 2014.”

Two trains an hour would leave Oxford, calling at Water Eaton, near Kidlington, Bicester Town, High Wycombe and Marylebone.

The company’s £130m investment would pay for Bicester Town station to be rebuilt, gaining a second platform as well as a footbridge, and a link to the Birmingham-Marylebone liner.

Mr Brighouse, 54, said: “We are expecting Water Eaton Parkway will attract passengers from North Oxford, Kidlington and neighbouring villages.”

Mr Brighouse said Chiltern is in competition with Oxfordshire tycoon Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Rail.

He said: “We were given our franchise specifically to offer an alternative service to the Birmingham-London Euston service, so we are in tooth-and-nail competition with Virgin.”