PASSENGERS of a railway line hailed as a 'landmark' route have clocked up more than seven million journeys since its launch.

Chiltern Railways is celebrating three years since its high-speed link opened between Oxford Parkway, Islip and Bicester Village stations, travelling to London Marylebone.

It has announced that more than seven million journeys have been made on the line since October 2015, with 2.5 million people travelling through Oxford Parkway near Kidlington.

In a statement marking the anniversary, Chiltern described the service as a 'landmark improvement to regional transport'.

The line was the result of a £320 million investment with Network Rail, which also delivered the first phase of the major East West Rail project.

Dave Penney, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: "The route is performing ahead of expectations but it’s hearing the positive difference the line has made to our customer’s lives that brings me the most satisfaction.

"These stations have given people choice, taken cars off the road and provided real benefits for those living and working in the region."

A Department for Transport report earlier this year referenced rail survey data from Oxford Parkway, which showed that before the station opened, 10 per cent of passengers reported they previously made the trip by car.

Another 19 per cent said they were making new trips they did not make previously.

Chiltern said this equated to more than a quarter of a million car journeys being taken off Oxford’s roads.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: "Working with Chiltern Railways meant we were able to provide passengers with the first new connection between London and a major city for more than 100 years.

"It provides travel options, relieves traffic from roads and boosts the regional economy – which is exactly what the railway is about."

Bicester Village station, which Chiltern hailed as 'the gateway to one of the UK’s most popular destinations for overseas visitors', has also seen 4.5 million passengers make journeys through the station.

A spokesperson for Bicester Village said: "We greatly value our partnership with Chiltern Railways.

"We are working together to continue to improve the experience for our guests as well as the increasing number of staff who travel to work by train.

"It is without doubt the easiest and smartest way to travel."

When the new route launched, the net economic impact to the area was expected to total more than £456 million, factoring in improved access to employment, wider commutable areas and the business productivity and competition offered.

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), said: "We are delighted that Oxford Parkway has demonstrated such a positive economic impact, not just to Oxfordshire, but the wider UK economy.

"Ensuring people can move freely, connect easily and provide the services to support a dynamic economy is critical.

"Oxford Parkway has played its part in achieving such positive growth, supporting many businesses – often with a global reach – to thrive."

The Department for Transport report also found that Oxford Parkway has contributed to a reduction of around 250,000 vehicle journeys in the county.

Mr Tipple added: "This change in travel behaviour can only be a good thing, helping to alleviate congestion on our roads and increase travel choice."