CHILTERN Railways has postponed bringing in its new speeded-up timetable for May, just days after unveiling it.
The train operator said it had taken the decision to reduce the risk of disruption for passengers after reviewing progress on its Evergreen3 improvement project, which will cut journey times between Oxfordshire and London by about 25 per cent.
The review found there was a possibility that the final phase of engineering work in late April and early May could overrun and disrupt services at short notice.
Chiltern’s chairman Adrian Shooter said: “We’re obviously disappointed to be postponing the launch of the Chiltern Mainline timetable but I do believe it’s the right decision for our passengers.”
As a result of the decision, work to commission the final track and signalling changes will be rescheduled for the end of August, when many commuters are on holiday.
Once the work is complete, trains will be able to run at 100mph most of the way between London Marylebone, Bicester and Banbury.
Mr Shooter added: “We’re sorry that we’re not able to offer the improved service from May as planned, but it will be ready when commuters get back from their summer break.”
Chris Bates, chairman of the Cherwell Rail Users’ Group, said: “Something has slipped, what it is I’m not sure at the moment.”
He added: “They have done the right thing. There was no way to complete the commissioning in the time they had left, to be ready for May 22, when the new timetable was due to start.
“They now need to give passengers more information, as quickly as possible, about when the work will be rescheduled, so they can plan for work and holidays.”
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