News release in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council.
Council Leaders in Swindon and Oxfordshire have welcomed the positive response from Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, confirming the Government’s support for progressing a two‑hourly direct rail service between Swindon and Oxford.
The regular rail link would build on a successful Saturday trial, which saw Great Western Railway operate direct Saturday services between Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford that call at Swindon.
Lord Hendy’s response acknowledges the strong local and regional interest and recognises the strategic importance of linking two of the country’s fastest-growing economies with better rail connectivity.
The Minister’s letter to Swindon Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, marks a significant milestone in the campaign to secure a permanent service between the two places.
Last month, councillors in Swindon backed a motion by the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Kevin Small, calling for a direct daily service to boost the economies of both Oxfordshire and Swindon.
Cllr Small said that direct services would boost commuting, tourism and supply‑chain connections, while providing quicker, greener travel and reducing congestion on the A420.
The successful trial showed the service was well used by passengers and confirmed there is sufficient track capacity without requiring new infrastructure, which was a key factor in making the case to the Government.
Councillor Robbins said: “This is exactly the kind of practical, high‑impact improvement our region needs and we have worked tirelessly to make the case that Swindon deserves better, more sustainable transport links. The Minister’s response shows our message is getting through.”
Today’s positive step reflects years of co-ordinated evidence‑gathering by England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), after connectivity studies consistently highlighted Swindon to Oxford as a corridor where improved rail services would deliver substantial economic, environmental and social benefits.
These studies are part of wider work assessing how the region can reduce car dependency, expand sustainable options, and unlock new economic potential through enhanced east–west connectivity.
The Minister’s support also aligns with the ambitions of councils across the region to establish a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), which could unlock up to £18.7bn in additional economic output by 2040.
The proposed MSA would bring new powers over transport, housing and growth, helping local leaders plan integrated transport systems and make decisions closer to the communities they serve.
A strengthened Swindon to Oxford rail link would form a cornerstone of this future regional transport strategy, improving labour mobility, growing supply chains, and supporting innovation across the Thames Valley economic area.
Councillor Robbins added: “The detailed evidence from England’s Economic Heartland has been vital in strengthening our case and showing that this service isn’t just desirable, but also deliverable, cost‑effective and essential for future growth.
“This is more than just a rail service. It’s a foundation for a more connected, prosperous, and strategically co-ordinated Thames Valley as well as being a sign of the progress we can make when local leadership and national government work together.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “A direct Oxford to Swindon rail service is very welcome news for Oxford. It would connect Oxford to the West and Bristol with a direct, reliable and sustainable public transport option, essential for supporting businesses, attracting investment and giving people better choices for commuting and leisure.
“Lord Hendy’s support also aligns with the ambitions of the councils across the region for a Thames Valley Strategic Authority, which could unlock further economic growth by Government devolving more control over transport policy to local areas. A direct service between Swindon and Oxford would exemplify that approach, improving mobility, strengthening communities and making the Thames Valley region an even more attractive place for investment.
“With projects like the Cowley Branch Line and Oxford Station now moving forward, Oxford has shown what can be achieved when local and national partners work together to deliver better rail options, and this proposal builds on that. I look forward to continued collaboration and seeing improved rail infrastructure for the whole region.”
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Direct and regular trains between Swindon and Oxford is something that many people across both areas have long campaigned for. This new update is therefore good news and we look forward to seeing the issue progressed further in the coming weeks and months.”
Swindon and Oxfordshire councils will continue working with Great Western Railway, Network Rail and the Department for Transport to support rapid implementation of the service and ensure the community sees the benefits as soon as possible.
Read the original release from Swindon Borough Council.
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