Swindon councillors will vote on a Labour motion calling for a daily direct rail service between Swindon and Oxford, with the proposal likely to pass given Labour’s large council majority
Swindon councillors are set to debate a motion calling for a daily direct rail link between Swindon and Oxford. Given that the proposal has been tabled by a Labour cabinet member, and Labour commands a substantial majority in the council chamber, its approval appears highly likely.
The resulting correspondence from Euclid Street will be addressed to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who represents Swindon as an MP and has previously expressed support for enhanced connectivity.
Councillor Kevin Small, cabinet member for finance, will present the motion, which says: “Daily direct rail will boost commuting, tourism, and supply-chain links between Swindon and Oxford.
“It offers residents quicker, greener travel, reduces car use and road congestion, and supports sustainable transport goals.”
The motion references proposals for Swindon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire to unite as a regional super-authority spanning the Thames Valley, noting: “The Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority will unlock ÂŁ18.7bn in economic output a year by 2040. Establishing a direct daily service between two key economies in the partnership would be a positive step forward to achieve these aims.”
Should the motion succeed, council leader Councillor Jim Robbins will be instructed to contact Great Western Rail, Network Rail and the Department of Transport.
He will “urge government to support a daily direct train service between Swindon and Oxford, extending Saturday trials into a seven-day operation, emphasising benefits including supporting the Government’s economic growth targets, environmental sustainability, and support for Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority ambitions.”
Cllr Small said: “Great Western Railway carried out a weekend pilot of direct Swindon to Oxford services, this year. The service was popular and well-used.
“A report suggests hourly Oxford–Swindon–Bath–Bristol service could start with zero new infrastructure costs.
“Network Rail confirms sufficient track capacity, with the proposal likely revenue neutral or positive.
“Operating would reduce journey times by about 30 minutes between Swindon and Oxford, about 75 minutes between Swindon and Bristol and would benefit Swindon and its residents.”
Earlier this week, whilst announcing a freeze on national rail fares, Transport Secretary Ms Alexander, who represents Swindon South, expressed her support for enhanced rail connections from the town, particularly to neighbouring cities and towns.
She told the Swindon Advertiser: “Swindon is obviously a proud railway town. My dad was an electrical apprentice and the railways are really important to Swindon.
“I think it is part of what makes our town such an attractive location for businesses to invest and people to live here because it’s really easy to get around.
“I’d like to see whether we could do more to give us better connections to cities like Oxford, and so I think the affordability of fares is key”.
“People are travelling more for leisure. I think making those family days out a little bit more affordable for people is going to be welcomed by people in Swindon.”
The motion will be debated at the council meeting commencing at 7pm on Thursday, 15 January.
