This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Popular train services between Banbury and Oxford saved
27/10/2023
Great Western Railways was considering withdrawing the services from December
Plans to cut two popular train services running between Banbury and Oxford have been withdrawn.
Great Western Railways was considering removing the 8.35am service from Banbury, which is the only Oxford bound service to call at Kings Sutton between 8 and 9am. The train also calls at Tackley and the Heyfords, and after Oxford stops at Didcot and Reading.
The 5.34pm service from Didcot back to Banbury has also been saved after Great Western Railways relented on the changes.
Oxfordshire County Council has welcomed the decision.
Cllr Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “GWR have listened very carefully to what local rail users have said and responded really well. Both of these services are very well patronised and link villages as well as towns. They’re exceptionally valued by the communities they serve and ideally timed for commuters.
“We know that GWR are always happy to listen to feedback from their customers and the communities they serve and that this will remain the case looking in to the future as we look to improve our rail links for the benefit of everyone. We want to provide people with great transport options so that they are not wholly reliant on their cars and the railways are a key component of that.”
Banbury’s MP, Victoria Prentis, had written to Great Western Railway’s Managing Director, Mark Hopwood, expressing concerns about the changes and urging them to reconsider their plans. On hearing that the routes had been saved she said: “I know this will come as welcome news to commuters.”
GWR Business Development Portfolio Director Tom Pierpoint said: “We’re grateful to local residents, businesses and Oxfordshire County Council for highlighting the importance of these services, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to find a solution that will retain them both in our December timetable.
“We do sometimes have to make changes but it is clear that these services play a vital role for our communities in Tackley, Heyford, King’s Sutton and Banbury, and I’m really glad that we have been able to keep them in the timetable.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam