GWR plans first direct service between Bristol and Oxford in more than 20 years
The operator is considering the proposal, which would be on a trial basis, because of a spike in leisure demand
For the first time in more than two decades, Great Western Railway is planning to restore a direct service between Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford.
GWR say they're planning the move in response to a spike in demand of leisure travellers.
The operator wants to run two return Saturday services between the cities from September.
They add their customers will be able to take in iconic sights for these two popular destinations, with quickest direct journey times between the two cities starting from one hour 11 minutes.
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “We’re always looking at innovative ways of creating new business and improving connectivity.
"Changing customer patterns since Covid have provided a clear opportunity for us to expand our leisure offering and the Bristol-Oxford route is one which offers real potential.”
GWR has requested to run the following services from September 14, including stops at Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon:
- 1018 Bristol Temple Meads-Oxford
- 1155 Oxford-Bristol Temple Meads (via Didcot)
- 1518 Bristol Temple Meads-Oxford
- 1712 Oxford-Bristol Temple Meads
The proposal is still being discussed and needs approval from the Department for Transport and Network Rail.
The trial would run until December.