A RAILWAY station is to get extra hourly train services to London and Oxford, after passenger numbers rocketed by 30 per cent.

Radley, near Abingdon, will see extra trains stopping at the station after a rise from 57,468 passengers in 2006/07 to 74,654 in 2008/09.

The increases, which come a year after £1m of improvements were made at the station, have been welcomed by passengers.

Lynda Pasquire, treasurer of the Friends of Radley Station, said: “Most people would agree having a more frequent train service into Oxford is a great idea.

“It only takes about six minutes from Radley to Oxford by train, but it takes about three quarters of an hour to drive in the morning rush hour.”

“It’s a fantastic service.

“The train is the only way to go.”

There are currently 23 services a day from Radley to London and a total of 27 from Radley to Oxford.

The new timetable is expected to double the number of off-peak services.