Calls for direct Swindon to Oxford trains

There are calls for a direct daily rail service to run between Swindon and Oxford, which could "boost commuting, tourism, and supply-chain links".

Swindon Borough Council will debate a motion on Thursday calling for the authority to back plans to reinstate a direct route between the two areas.

The proposals come after a trial saw limited weekend services run between Swindon and Oxford in 2024.

Councillor Kevin Small, cabinet member for finance, said a direct link would offer "residents quicker, greener travel, reduces car use and road congestion, and supports sustainable transport goals".

Small, who will table the motion on Thursday, added: "Daily direct rail will boost commuting, tourism, and supply-chain links between Swindon and Oxford."

The service would mean passengers would no longer need to change at Didcot Parkway.

The motion also refers to a plan where Swindon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire could all join forces to form a regional super-authority along the Thames Valley, which could reportedly unlock £18.7bn in economic output a year by 2040.

"Establishing a direct daily service between two key economies in the partnership would be a positive step forward to achieve these aims," the motion states.

A direct service would shave more than 10 minutes off the current fastest weekday journey time to under 30 minutes.

Small added: "Great Western Railway carried out a weekend pilot of direct Swindon to Oxford services. The service was popular and well-used.

"A report suggests hourly Oxford–Swindon–Bath–Bristol service could start with zero new infrastructure costs."

If approved, council leader Jim Robbins will write to the Transport Secretary, Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander, Network Rail and Great Western Railway, calling for the new service.

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