Direct Bristol-Oxford trains could run every hour

An hourly train service connecting Bristol to Oxford could start next year if proposals are approved by the government.

The service would run every day, with stops at Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon.

Travellers are currently required to change at Didcot Parkway between Oxford and Swindon.

Great Western Railway has been running a trial of the service since September, but with just two return trains running on Saturdays only.

The plans are being put forward by regional transport body England's Economic Heartland (EEH), whose members include Oxfordshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council.

In a report co-authored by EEH, rail bodies argue that the service would support economic growth by better connecting universities and businesses in "high performing, knowledge-intensive sectors" such as physics and engineering.

The service would also make it easier for travellers to reach new East West Rail services, via Oxford, to Bicester Village, Bletchley and Milton Keynes, which are set to begin by the end of 2025, EEH said.

The amount needed from the government to fund the service is in the "low single figure millions", according to the report – and passenger fares would cover this outlay, it says.

The infrastructure needed already exists, meaning funding would be needed only for operational costs such as staffing.

The plans form a central part of EEH's submissions to a consultation on the government's spending review.

The review is due to conclude in June and will set out how public money is allocated over the next few years.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Liz Leffman, who chairs the EEH, said: "This is a low-cost, quick-to-deliver proposal which would transform Oxford's westwards connectivity to economic centres including Swindon and Bristol.

"It will encourage more people to switch from car to public transport, particularly between Oxford and Swindon, where journey times and congestion by road are a longstanding issue."

Swindon Borough Council's Chris Watts said: "We are extremely keen to improve our transport links to Oxford, so we can strengthen our relationships with educational institutions."

Bath and North East Somerset Council are also said to support the proposals, as are Great Western Railway and Network Rail.