In August last year when it was announced that Chiltern Railways intended to run services between Marylebone and Oxford via a new line connecting the Chiltern line to the East-West line, the question many locals were asking was "When can you start?"

A process like this can't be done overnight, but today we can announce that we are about to commence an extensive consultation exercise to inform individuals, organizations and representative bodies about the scheme - and to understand their views. We have engaged the environmental consultants, ERM, both on the consultation and to undertake a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to mitigate any impacts the scheme may have on local residents, the countryside, wildlife, buildings and archaeology. Three public exhibitions outlining the proposals are due to take place in Oxford, Kidlington and Bicester in the early spring.

Chiltern Chairman, Adrian Shooter said:
"This project will only succeed if we give the people of Oxfordshire the service they want. This is why we not only want to explain our plans to them but especially to hear what they themselves want."

He explained:
"Our planned route will offer fast and frequent services between London, Bicester Town and Oxford stations. All three stations will be upgraded to accommodate the service and a new station will be built at Water Eaton Parkway which will also provide extensive park and ride facilities for people using the service. We want to fully engage with individuals, businesses and organisations in Oxfordshire so they can help us design and deliver a service which Oxfordshire can be proud of."

For further media information please contact the Chiltern Railways press office on 020 7333 3014. Alternatively, please call Emma Gascoigne on 07771 668793 or mail to: emma.gascoigne@chilternrailways.co.uk.