The Bicester Link is operated by First Great Western using diesel multiple trains.
The Trains
Due to the shorter length of the platforms at Bicester Town and Islip stations, the Bicester Link train service is operated using 2-carriage Turbo diesel multiple trains.
Each train has seating for up to 196 people so you should have no problem finding a seat, even on the busiest commuter trains. For those wanting a more luxurious journey, there is a first class area on every train with wider seats.
The trains offer easy access through their wide doors and have a welcoming bright, airy interior with internal and external passenger information displays and public address system. You'll be able to enjoy the views through the large windows from the comfort of your high-back seat.
First Great Western are shortly to begin a £6 million refurbishment of the Turbo trains, with a new information system, seating and interior colour scheme, new floor coverings, posters and signage. The first of these trains should re-enter service in 2010.
Buying Tickets
You don't need to book in advance...just turn up and go!
If travelling from Oxford station towards Islip or Bicester you should purchase your ticket before travelling from either the ticket office or one of the ticket vending machines located on the station concourse.
If travelling from Bicester or Islip, you will need to buy your tickets from the guard on-board the train. If there is no guard and you are unable to purchase a ticket you will need to buy one on arrival at Oxford from the staff at the ticket barrier instead. Please retain all tickets for examination.
There are a number of ways for you to buy tickets and you can find out more here.
Taking your cycle on the train
Cycles are welcomed on board all Bicester Link train services, free of charge, at all times.
On Mondays to Fridays, cycles can also be carried on connecting trains from Oxford but due to capacity constraints full size non-folding cycles cannot be taken on board certain peak time services. Folding cycles can be carried without charge on any service at any time.
Restrictions apply to services from Oxford that arrive into London Paddington between 0745 and 0945. On High Speed Trains (HSTs) operated services, non-folding cycles can only be carried to Didcot Parkway, Reading or London Paddington AND an advance reservation for the cycle is required. On Turbo operated services, non-folding cycles can only be carried as far as Tilehurst (not Reading itself).
Restrictions apply to services departing from London Paddington between 1630 and 1830, and applies between London Paddington and Reading only. On High Speed Trains (HSTs) operated services, non-folding cycles can only be carried from Reading to Didcot Parkway or Oxford AND an advance reservation for the cycle is required. On Turbo operated services, non-folding cycles can only be carried from Tilehurst (not Reading itself).
Cycles are accepted on all train services at weekends and on public holidays, subject to the normal capacity constraints. Reservations are not compulsory on these days. For more information about taking your bike on the train, see the First Great Western 'Cycling by Train' leaflet.
Performance
The Bicester Link is one of the most reliable railway lines in the Thames Valley.
Performance figures for the period from 15 November 2009 - 12 December 2009
| Period 4 | Target | Actual |
| Reliability | 99% | 100% |
| Punctuality | 92% | 100% |
Year to date
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| % Reliability | 100 | 98.0 | 98.3 | 99.7 | 99.3 | 100 | 97.8 | 98.8 | 100 | - | - | - | - |
| % Punctuality | 99.4 | 98.0 | 98.5 | 98.0 | 95.5 | 98.7 | 98.1 | 97.9 | 100 | - | - | - | - |
Note:
Reliability is defined as the percentage number of trains, or alternative transport, that operate at least 50% of the scheduled journey that is shown in the public timetable, and were not cancellations.
Punctuality reflects the percentage of trains that either arrive at their destination before, on or within five minutes of the time published in the public timetable.
User Group
In 2004, when the line was under threat, a group of concerned regular passengers got together and formed the Oxford-Bicester Rail Action Group, more often known as OBRAG. Since then the Group has worked with Oxfordshire County Council and First Great Western to develop the service, and their volunteers are active in the local community encouraging more people to give the trains a try!
You can join OBRAG at their website