A new railway strategy, unveiled yesterday, promises faster journey times around Oxford.

The Initial Industry Plan, includes investment in electrification, new trains, signalling upgrades and line-speed improvements between 2014 and 2019.

Network Rail spokesman Russell Spink said: “The rail industry’s plan for the next five-year funding period has identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to radically improve the railway on the key commuter corridor between Oxford and London.

“This includes an electrified railway with cleaner, faster new trains offering more space for passengers, upgrades to signalling to boost reliability and line improvements to cut journey times.”