Customers travelling to and from Tackley station are being advised to plan ahead this summer, as improvement work gets underway to make the station fully accessible for the first time in its history.
From Friday 12 June, Network Rail will begin installing a new footbridge and lifts, replacing the current temporary structure and making it easier and safer for all customers to move between platforms. Work is expected to be completed next spring.
What this means for customers
While the upgrade is carried out:
- Trains towards Oxford will not stop at Tackley (Platform 2 closed)
- Trains towards Banbury will continue to call as normal (Platform 1 open)
Customers travelling to Oxford can still complete their journeys by:
- Changing at Heyford, Kings Sutton or Banbury after taking a northbound train
- Travelling from Hanborough or Oxford Parkway, where services continue to run as normal
- Using the Stagecoach S4 bus from Tackley village to Oxford
To support customers during the works, GWR is reducing the price of a return train journey between Oxford and Tackley. Customers who travel to Oxford by bus can present their bus ticket at Oxford station to access the discounted rail fare. This ensures the combined cost of bus and rail is equivalent to an off-peak return ticket, so customers are not left out of pocket.
GWR’s Regional Development Manager, Zach Bailey, said:
“This investment will make a real difference for customers, making Tackley accessible to more people and improving overall safety and convenience.
“We know the temporary loss of direct services to Oxford will be disruptive, so we’ve worked hard to keep customers moving with clear alternative options and by ensuring no-one is left out of pocket.
“These improvements are part of our commitment to building a more inclusive, reliable railway that supports local communities and economic growth across the region.”
Network Rail Project Sponsor, Amjad Ali, added:
“Once complete, the new footbridge and lifts will transform access at Tackley, making it easier and safer for everyone to use both the station and surrounding footpaths.”
The new bridge and lifts will deliver step-free access at Tackley, making the station significantly easier to use for:
- Customers with reduced mobility
- Parents with buggies
- Customers with luggage or cycles
The project also supports the OxRail 2040 Vision, helping improve local transport links and enabling economic growth across Oxfordshire.
Advice for travelling during the works
Customers are encouraged to:
- Check journeys before travelling at gwr.com/Tackley
- Allow extra time, particularly when changing trains
- Consider alternative stations nearby for more direct journeys
- Plan connections carefully, especially when travelling to Oxford
- Book Passenger Assist in advance if help is needed
Please note: Rail tickets are not accepted on the S4 bus. A single fare from Tackley to Oxford is currently £3.
Image credit: GWR
