Winslow Station Delay Back in Spotlight After Platform Extension Announcement

The operator says news that platform's being extended at the new Winslow station will not affect the timeline for the upcoming services.

Although no date has yet been confirmed for the station to be fully operational, locals have expressed their disbelief and frustration after it was revealed the platforms will be rebuilt and extended to accommodate longer trains. The work is being linked to demand for the future Universal Studios development in Bedfordshire. 

Taking to social media, Winslow Town Councillor, Diana Blamires said:

"Residents are particularly concerned that this change is being introduced despite the project already facing significant delays, and that representatives from East West Rail and Chiltern Railways were unable to provide any indication of when the station or the wider rail line will actually open, when staff attended a Buckinghamshire Council meeting this week (3rd Feb). She also said "The lack of a clear timeline has reinforced perceptions of poor planning, inadequate communication, and ongoing uncertainty for the community."

A summary of the report is available below, while a full PDF report of the meeting is available to download here PDF report from January 2026. 

Facebook comments from Winslow residents about the station:

People are overwhelmingly frustrated by what they see as endless delays, poor planning, and constant changes to the project. Many feel it is unreasonable to further delay opening the station to accommodate a development that is years away and may not even generate the expected demand. There is a strong sense that the project has been mismanaged, with repeated justifications over time—such as timetabling issues, station design flaws, staffing disputes, and now platform length—creating the impression of a never-ending list of excuses.

Residents are particularly annoyed that the station appears largely finished and lit, yet remains unused, while they continue to experience disruption, parking charges, and negative impacts on the High Street and local businesses. Some people say they moved to the area or made major life decisions (such as education and commuting plans) based on assurances that the station would be operational by now, and feel misled.

There is also anger about perceived waste of public money, with comparisons made to alternative transport solutions that could already be running. Several commenters question why the station could not open first and be modified later if needed, noting that other rail lines manage shorter platforms operationally. Overall, there is deep mistrust toward the council and rail authorities, accusations of incompetence or deliberate delaying tactics, and a strong demand for accountability, transparency, and a clear explanation of why the line is still not running and who is responsible.

A spokesperson for East West Railway Company said: "In March last year, the Government announced that Chiltern Railways would be the operator of services connecting Oxford and Milton Keynes. Since then, Chiltern has been working closely with the Department of Transport and industry colleagues with the aim of introducing services on the new line as soon as possible.

"To meet increasing demand for passenger services, we recently announced our intention to increase the frequency of services and also to extend the number of carriages on each train. This uplift in capacity has led to a review of all infrastructure requirements and in the case of Winslow station, a decision has been taken to extend the platforms, so it can accommodate the use of longer trains. Any work to extend platforms at Winslow would not affect the introduction of Chiltern’s new services."

Summary of Buckinghamshire Council Report to Transport Environment Communities & Climate Change Select Committee

The report provided an update on the East West Rail (EWR) project across all stages, with a focus on impacts in Buckinghamshire. Construction of Connection Stage 1 (Oxford–Milton Keynes) was completed in 2024, with road repairs, public rights of way, land restoration, and asset handbacks largely finalised. Winslow Station and its multi-storey car park are nearing completion, alongside new parking controls and improved pedestrian access, including a signalised A413 crossing.

Buckinghamshire Council continues to engage with East West Rail Company on future stages (CS2 and CS3), raising concerns around environmental impacts, highways disruption, electrification, freight operations, and the proposed Train Maintenance Depot. Biodiversity Net Gain measures are in place, though an ongoing review is required due to future works affecting some compensation areas.

The Council reiterated strong support for the Aylesbury Link despite it currently being out of scope nationally, and continues to lobby Government and delivery partners to protect its future delivery. Key ongoing issues include the use of diesel rolling stock, freight noise impacts on communities, and the need for clearer communication with residents. Further public consultation on the final stage (CS3) is expected in summer 2026, with the Council committed to protecting local interests while maximising community and connectivity benefits.

A spokesperson for East West Railway Company said: “We recognise the strength of feeling in Aylesbury and the wider Buckinghamshire area about a connection from Aylesbury to East West Rail. The Aylesbury spur did form part of East West Rail’s original plans, however, in our Route Update Report, which was published in May 2023, it was not included within the core project. Following a review of the business case by Government, it was then taken out of scope in January 2025, as spending was prioritised on areas which provided maximum value for money for the taxpayer. However, during the construction of the Bicester to Bletchley section of line, East West Rail did put in place passive provision so the line could be added to the network at a later date and the alignment to Aylesbury is also protected to allow for a potential future reopening.”

A Chiltern Railways spokesperson said: "Since being announced as operator of the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes in March, we have been working at pace to get everything ready for services to begin on the new line.   
 
"Significant progress has been made, including the hiring and training of 44 train drivers, the creation of a new colleague facility at Bletchley, and the fit out of a new modern station with step-free access at Winslow.   
 
"However, there is work still to finish to prepare the trains, on Winslow station and on the operating arrangements for the new route. We are continuing our work on these areas in conjunction with industry colleagues and will provide updates as soon as we are able to."

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP told Bucks Radio: “I have raised the Aylesbury Rail Link directly with the Secretary of State for Transport several times. Aylesbury deserves transport investment that supports growth, connectivity, and opportunity.

"Since I was elected, I have met with the Rail Minister Lord Hendy and with the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander alongside my colleague Callum Anderson MP, in order to make the case for why the Aylesbury Link must move forward. I set out clearly how Aylesbury’s growing population presents a real opportunity for improved strategic transport links, and how the Aylesbury Link would help ensure that new homes are matched with the infrastructure our community needs to thrive.

“As I have said before, Aylesbury deserves both strong economic opportunity and reliable, sustainable transport. This rail link would unlock new jobs, improve journey times, and connect our community more effectively to the wider region: all essential to securing the prosperity local residents rightly expect.

“I will continue to press the case for the Link at every available opportunity.”