A MULTI-MILLION pound rail link that could lower fares and boost the county's economy became a reality today as the first official trains ran from Oxford station to London Marylebone.
The Chiltern Railways line is the first new link between a major British city and the capital in more than 100 years.
While not officially opening until today the first trains began running yesterday marking the completion of the £320m project, 14 months after services began from Oxford Parkway station.
One of the first Marylebone bound trains to leave Oxford station on Sunday
Richard Allen, an avid train photographer, was one of the first to witness the landmark link in action.
The 51-year-old said: “I can imagine it will be extremely popular with Oxford residents as it gives them a choice, which is always a good thing.”
Barry Timms is from Bicester and said the line will open up opportunities for residents.
The 59-year-old, who visits London frequently to watch the cricket, said: “I go up to Lords to watch the cricket and Marylebone is just a ten minute walk away so it is perfect.
“I think it is just brilliant.
“I definitely think it will give Great Western a run for their money, especially with the morning commuters.
“I wonder whether that would drive the prices down if the two were competing against each other?”
The first official train was due to leave Oxford station at 7.20am, marking the completion of the £320m project 14 months after services started began from Oxford Parkway station.
It arrived at 8.28am at Marylebone station - eight minutes late.
Our reporter Callum Keown was one of the first people to take the trip on the new line to the capital.
Here is some people he spoke to on the commute:
The 'Oxford Flyer' as it has just been named leaves the platform for the first time. @TheOxfordMail https://t.co/9SroXG1yw9 pic.twitter.com/rvVFFUchcu
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
The train is packed already. Lewis Bell, 18, said its a "great new service" and makes Ox-Bicester much easier. @TheOxfordMail pic.twitter.com/m17BN4D3hO
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
Doug Williamson renewed his season ticket today for the last time - he's 65 next year. But said its a "fantastic" service. @TheOxfordMail pic.twitter.com/RYU7nL63d4
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
John Kirkby, from Bicester, was also pleased with the new link - improving accessibility across the county and into London. @TheOxfordMail pic.twitter.com/XduQ57rtCO
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
Cath Cole, who uses the train at Ox Parkway was "alarmed" to see so many people already on board when she joined the train. @TheOxfordMail pic.twitter.com/AMCijaZhXc
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
A few minutes late... But it's arrived at London Marylebone. @TheOxfordMail https://t.co/9SroXG1yw9 pic.twitter.com/Z053ByyYYO
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
Michael Portillo has now joined the party to officially name the locomotive. Spoiler: it's called the Oxford Flyer. @TheOxfordMail pic.twitter.com/Va4RSr4PuC
— Callum Keown (@OxMailCallumK) 12 December 2016
Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said the new route would create competition between Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway – which operates the Oxford to London Paddington route.
He said: "That has to be a good thing for passengers who have suffered high fares and sometimes not very good service.
"Potentially it is very good for our tourist numbers because it will encourage people who go to Bicester Village to make an extra journey into Oxford.
"We now have a very important new transport link between Bicester and Oxford and that helps with access to jobs and housing."
Since Oxford Parkway opened 638,000 passengers have travelled through it, with another 850,000 journeys a year expected now the link to Oxford station has been completed.
Two trains an hour will run between the city and London, with a journey time of about 60 minutes.
Chiltern Railways managing director Dave Penny said: "This is a significant milestone in the history of Chiltern Railways.
"The new line delivers meaningful benefits for those living and working in the region and will be economically advantageous for the regional economy.
"It creates direct competition in the rail market between Oxford and London giving customers a real choice and flexibility."
The project was a joint venture between Chiltern Railways and Network Rail – which manages railway infrastructure in Great Britain.
The train operator put £130m towards the final cost, with Network Rail adding £190m.
Railfuture, a group which campaigns for better rail services for passengers and freight, said competition was good but fares would not necessarily drop.
Spokesman Bruce Williamson said: "The advantage of the new link is that it gives passengers more choice.
"I welcome this expansion of the rail network and hope it keeps ticket prices down but I'm not holding my breath for a bonanza of cheap fares."
@OxfordshireCC @chilternrailway @BBCOxford Traveling from Bicester to Oxford with chairman Cllr Michael Waine pic.twitter.com/VlQTdA6pxv
— Ian Hudspeth (@ianhudspeth) December 12, 2016
Some controversy has surrounded the construction of the line between Oxford Parkway and Oxford station, which passes through the north of the city.
Network Rail has been criticised for breaching planning conditions imposed by the city council which were designed to keep noise levels down.
But the company said it was continuing to work closely with the city council to keep noise levels down.
Mr Price said the local authority was working to achieve 'mitigation measures' to make sure the lives of Wolvercote residents were not disrupted.
The link has been welcomed by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.
He said: "From today travellers to and from London Marylebone and Oxford will get increased choice, more trains and faster journey times.
"The link is also an important part of the new East West line to be built between Oxford and Cambridge and will bring growth and prosperity to this corner of Britain."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel