Chiltern Railways celebrates 175 years of rail in Bicester

Representatives from Chiltern Railways, Oxfordshire County Council, Bicester Village, and local MP Calum Miller came together on Thursday, October 2, to mark the occasion and look ahead to the future of rail in the region.

Tony Baxter, operations director at Chiltern Railways, said: "We were delighted to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the railway in Bicester and we look forward to Chiltern launching new trains and services for residents in the future.

Tony Baxter, operations director at Chiltern Railways(Image: Chiltern Railways)

"As we reflect on the role rail has played in shaping our towns and communities over two centuries, we are also excited for the future as we have ambitious plans to make the railway easier, greener, and better for Bicester and our wider network."

Chiltern Railways plans to introduce new trains on its London to West Midlands route, which passes through Bicester North, from early 2026.

The operator is also working with industry partners to deliver a new service connecting Oxford and Milton Keynes via Bicester Village, providing a rail connection to the east of Bicester for the first time in nearly 60 years.

(L-R) Tony Baxter from Chiltern Railways, Councillor Mark Lygo, and Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller(Image: Chiltern Railways)

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, said: "This is a real landmark for Bicester which proves how vital rail, as part of public transport, continues to be.

"As a council, we are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy.

The anniversary event at Bicester Village Station(Image: Chiltern Railways)

"The success of Bicester Village Station, and its importance in the future development of our rail network, highlights why providing rail as an increasingly reliable, frequent, and affordable transport option is essential for the success of our ambitious Local Transport and Connectivity Plan."

The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the 175th anniversary.

A plaque marking the 175th anniversary(Image: Chiltern Railways)

John Durnin, business director at Bicester Village, said: "We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in rail history and feel privileged to have benefited from the opportunities and growth our partnership with Chiltern Railways has delivered.

"Looking ahead, we are excited about its continued evolution - from increased rail capacity to an enhanced guest experience - which, together with the arrival of East West Rail, will help underpin the future prosperity of the whole area."

Bicester Station originally opened on October 1, 1850, as part of the Oxford to Bletchley line and has since undergone several name changes.

Bicester North Station began operations in 1910 on the London to Birmingham route.