Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what lessons they have learnt from the performance of the Bicester to Oxford route operated by Chiltern Railways; and how might any lessons be applied to the proposed East West Rail scheme.

The Bicester to Oxford route, which is operated by Chiltern Railways, continues to perform well with strong passenger revenue and growth on the route.

The East West Rail Company has been established to challenge current delivery models whilst accelerating the delivery of robust infrastructure and reducing costs. The East West Rail Company are developing its operations strategy with recommendations for the Department for Transport. This is expected to incorporate lessons learnt from across the industry.