Direct services between Bristol Temple Meads, Swindon, and Oxford are now running every two hours, providing daily links between the three destinations for the first time in more than 20 years.
The new services will run Monday to Saturday, calling at Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Chippenham, Swindon and Oxford.
The first service left Oxford at 07:00 on Monday 18 May, arriving into Swindon at 07:30 and Bristol Temple Meads at 0820. From Bristol, the first train left at 07:14, arriving into Swindon at 07:59 and Oxford at 08:32.
Quickest direct journey times from Oxford will be one hour 8 minutes, and from Bristol one hour 11 minutes.
To mark the launch, Great Western Railway is offering a range of special deals on fares for the first month, with Advance Purchase tickets on the new services available from around half the usual price.
GWR and Network Rail’s Western route have worked closely to ensure services can be restored as part of the railway’s May timetable change.
This follows initial safety measures being put in place along the route ahead of services starting, and further safety improvements in the months to come, as discussed with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Swindon South MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be on the first train of the new weekday direct service between Swindon and Oxford.
“The weekend trial of direct trains was hugely popular, and this new weekday service will provide a fast, convenient alternative to being stuck in a traffic jam on the A420.
“Along with Will Stone, the MP for Swindon North, this is something I have long championed on behalf of residents. Stronger transport links are vital to unlocking opportunity, and this service is a clear example of what can be delivered when local and national partners work together.”
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood CBE said the new direct services would be transformational.
“We know this is something customers and partners have been campaigning for over recent years, and we’re very grateful to those who have supported our case to make this happen.
“The economic and social benefits are clear, and we are confident that these new services demonstrate the value of rail in driving economic growth, environmental benefits, and creating education and employment opportunities which previously were not possible – as well as directly linking two of the key leisure markets in the UK.”
A new report produced by Development Economics, and commissioned by GWR, shows how Britain’s regional rail network supports jobs, homes, businesses and opportunity across the country.
The Growing Places report estimates that by 2036, development across Britain’s regional rail network could support over 1 million jobs and generate nearly £79 billion in annual economic value.
GWR launched a trial of Saturday services between Bristol and Oxford in 2024, in response to a growth in demand for leisure travel by train.
The last direct services between the two iconic destinations had previously run in 2003.
Image credit: GWR