View source for Chiltern Railways

{{short description|British train operating company owned by Arriva UK Trains}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox rail company
 | name           = Chiltern Railways
 | other_name     = The Chiltern Railway Company Limited
 | image          = File:6sabt0.jpg
 | image_size     = 275px
 | caption        = A {{brc|68}} seen in February 2022 departing {{rws|Warwick}} along with [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 coaches]] and a [[Driving Van Trailer|DVT]]
 | franchise      = Chiltern
 | start_year      = {{Start date|1996|07|21|df=y}}
 | end_year        = {{End date|2027|12|12|df=y}}
 | logo           = <!-- omitted pending upload of correct logo with correct licencing -->
 | nameforarea    = region
 | regions        = {{ubl|[[Greater London]]|[[South East England]]|[[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]]}}
 | secregions     = {{ubl|[[East Midlands]]|[[East of England]]}}
 | fleet={{bulleted list|{{brc|01}} shunter|{{brc|68}} locomotives for Silver sets|{{brc|165}} ''Networker Turbo''|{{brc|168}} ''Clubman''|[[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 carriages]]}}
 | stations       = 66
 | stationsop     = 32
 | length        = {{cvt|336.4|km}}
 | abbr           = CH
 | parent_company = [[Arriva UK Trains]]
 | website        = {{Official URL}}
 | map            = [[File:Chiltern Railways network.svg|275px]]
 | map_state      = uncollapsed
}}
{{Chiltern Railways RDT}}
'''The Chiltern Railway Company Limited''',<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03007939 |title=The Chiltern Railway Company Limited |website=[[Companies House]] |publisher=[[Government of the United Kingdom|HM Government]] |access-date=11 November 2025}}</ref> trading as '''Chiltern Railways''', is a British [[train operating company]] that has operated the Chiltern Railways franchise since July 1996. Since 2009, it has been a [[subsidiary]] of [[Arriva UK Trains]].

Chiltern Railways was founded as '''M40 Trains''' by a group of ex-[[British Rail]] managers backed by [[John Laing Group|John Laing]] and [[3i]]; in June 1996, it was announced that M40 Trains had been awarded the Chiltern Railways franchise. On 21 July 1996, it took over operations from British Rail. The company promptly commenced the redoubling of the [[Chiltern Main Line]] under the ''Evergreen'' initiative and ordered the {{brc|168}} ''Clubman'' [[diesel multiple unit]]s (DMUs) to supplement its ex-British Rail fleet. Following the awarding of a 20-year franchise to Chiltern Railways in August 2000, Evergreen phase 2 works begun to raise line speeds around {{rws|Beaconsfield|England}}, built two new platforms at its {{rws|London Marylebone}} terminus. In January 2010, a £250 million upgrade package was agreed for Evergreen phase 3, remodelling the line and permitting 100&nbsp;mph operations, thus greatly reducing journey times.

In August 2002, the John Laing Group became the sole owner of Chiltern Railways after buying out all other shareholders. In January 2008, shortly after John Laing's purchase by [[Henderson Group|Henderson Equity Partners]], the company was sold to the German publicly owned railway company [[Deutsche Bahn]]. Chiltern Railways became a subsidiary of [[Arriva UK Trains]] as a result of restructuring during early 2011. Around this time, Chiltern was considered one of the best railway operators in Britain, with [[Public performance measure]] (PPM) regularly over 90%. However, the introduction of new timetables during the 2010s was repeatedly received negatively by the travelling public. Severe disruption to Chiltern's services occurred following the collapse of [[Gerrards Cross Tunnel]] on 30 June 2005; an unplanned six week closure of the main line was forced, resulting in compensation being paid by [[Tesco]] (which planned to build a supermarket over the tunnel) to both Chiltern Railways and [[Network Rail]].

Chiltern Railways operates commuter/regional rail passenger services from its central London terminus at Marylebone along the [[M40 motorway|M40]] corridor to destinations in [[Buckinghamshire]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[Northamptonshire]] (King's Sutton) and [[Warwickshire]], as well as long-distance services to the [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]] along two routes. Services on the [[Chiltern Main Line]] run from London to {{rws|Birmingham Moor Street}}, {{rws|Stratford-upon-Avon}} and {{rws|Oxford}}, with some peak-hour services extended to {{rws|Stourbridge Junction}}. Chiltern Railways also runs trains on the [[London–Aylesbury line]] to {{rws|Aylesbury}} (some of which continue on to {{rws|Aylesbury Vale Parkway}}), and on the [[Aylesbury–Princes Risborough line|Princes Risborough to Aylesbury]] and [[Oxford–Bicester line|Oxford to Bicester]] branch lines. From December 2010, Chiltern began operating the ''Chiltern Mainline'' service of two peak-hour locomotive-hauled services consisting of a {{brc|67}} hauling a rake of modernised [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3]] coaches and a [[Driving Van Trailer]].

==History==
Chiltern Railways originated with a number of former British Rail managers who sought to conduct a [[management buyout]] on one of the soon-to-be-created rail franchises that would be produced as a part of the [[privatisation of British Rail]].<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Shooter |first=Adrian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xTRREAAAQBAJ |title=Chiltern Railways: The Inside Story |publisher=Pen and Sword Transport |date=5 May 2022 |isbn=978-1526792525 |pages=24–26}}</ref> In April 1995, they were granted a licence by the railway regulator. However, the team recognised that they lacked the resources to successfully pursue a bid, thus they secured the backing of the infrastructure investment group [[John Laing Group|John Laing]] and the [[venture capital]] specialist [[3i]].<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/>

In October 1995, M40 Trains was established; the various railway managers held a combined 51% shareholding in the business, while the John Laing Group and 3i held 26% and 23% stakes respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03005018 |publisher=Companies House |title=M40 Trains Limited, company no. 3005018 |access-date=4 July 2022}}</ref> The company reportedly spent £38 million in its bid for the Chiltern Railways franchise.<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/> In June 1996, the [[Director of Passenger Rail Franchising]] awarded the franchise to M40 Trains for an initial period of seven years. It was the only franchise operator to have as many as 51% of its shares controlled by its directors.<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/>

On 21 July 1996, the company commenced operations, taking over from the publicly owned [[British Rail]].<ref name="newstock pledge1996">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/m40-to-put-new-stock-on-chiltern-1338908.html |title=M40 to put new stock on Chiltern |work=The Independent |location=London |date=26 June 1996}}</ref> Chiltern Railways was the first railway franchise to order new rolling stock in the post-privatisation era in the form of the Class 168 ''Clubman'' DMUs.<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/> However, their introduction was marred by unreliability, in part due to their rushed entry into service in response to booming passenger demand. By April 1999, the company claimed to employ 50% more staff than it had at the start of the franchise, and to be running 25% more services than had been operated by British Rail.<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/> Meanwhile, under the terms of the franchise agreement, the annual subsidy provided by the British government was gradually reduced.<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/>

During early 1999, the ownership of M40 Trains underwent substantial changes; the John Laing Group opted to increase its shareholding in the venture to 84% via the purchase of shares from their previous holders; the outstanding 16% of shares were owned by several members of the former British Rail management team.<ref name="fullsteam 1999">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/news/1762006/full-steam-ahead |title=Full steam ahead |magazine=Accountancy Age |first=John |last=Stokdyk |date=14 April 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/news/1773257/fat-cat-row-chiltern-bid |title=Fat cat row in Chiltern bid |magazine=[[Accountancy Age]] |first=John |last=Stokdyk |date=1 March 1999}}</ref>

In March 2000, the Shadow [[Strategic Rail Authority]] announced that both M40 Trains and the British transport group [[Go-Ahead Group|Go-Ahead]] had been shortlisted to bid for the next Chiltern franchise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200003141002582018H |title=Six Companies Shortlisted for First Franchise Replacement Round |publisher=Shadow Strategic Rail Authority |date=14 March 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/ArticlePrint.aspx?id=200003141157052436H |title=Go-Ahead shortlisted for Chiltern and South Central rail franchises |publisher=Go-Ahead Group |date=14 March 2000 |access-date=19 October 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016111514/http://www.investegate.co.uk/ArticlePrint.aspx?id=200003141157052436H |url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2000, M40 Trains was awarded the new franchise, which was set to run for 20&nbsp;years, conditional on various investments being made across that period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200008101034042694P |title=Laing Rail to Build upon Chiltern Success |publisher=John Laing |date=10 August 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cwn.org.uk/business/a-z/c/chiltern-railways/2000/08/000810-franchise-renewal.htm |title=Chiltern Railways to Ride Again |work=Coventry & Warwickshire News |date=10 August 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2002/feb/19/4 |title=Chiltern wins first 20-year franchise |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=19 February 2002}}</ref> On 3 March 2002, the new franchise period began.

In August 2002, John Laing acquired the remaining 16% of shares in M40 Trains that it did not already own.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.laing.com/uploads/assets/reports_and_accounts/Full_annual_report_2002.pdf |title=Review (proof 2) |publisher=John Laing |access-date=23 November 2012}}</ref> In September 2006, John Laing was purchased by the global investment firm [[Henderson Group|Henderson Equity Partners]] in exchange for £887 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5358882.stm |title=Laing accepts £887m takeover bid |work=BBC News |date=19 September 2006}}</ref>

During December 2004, Chiltern Railways took over operation of passenger services on the {{rws|Leamington Spa}} to {{rws|Stratford-upon-Avon}} branch line from [[First Great Western Link]]. In June 2006, M40 Trains was invited by the [[Department for Transport]] (DfT) to lodge a bid to operate the [[Snow Hill Lines]], then operated by [[Central Trains]], as part of the letting of the [[London Midland|West Midlands]] franchise. However, this bid was not successful.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/bidders-announced-for-rail-franchises/52333.article |title=Bidders announced for rail franchises |magazine=[[New Civil Engineer]] |date=19 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200706210700567594Y |title=Department for Transport Announces Winner of West Coast Franchise |publisher=Department for Transport |location=London|date=21 June 2007}}</ref>

During mid-2005, Chiltern Railways' services were heavily disrupted by the collapse of [[Gerrards Cross Tunnel]]. In 1996, the British retailer [[Tesco]] sought to build a supermarket near {{rws|Gerrards Cross}} railway station; despite the local council's initial objection to the scheme, it was approved by the [[Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[John Prescott]] in July 1998.<ref name="guardian1">{{cite news |title=In a hole |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2005/aug/25/architecture.supermarkets |date=25 August 2005 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=17 June 2009 |first=Jonathan |last=Glancey}}</ref> Due to a lack of available space, Tesco started building a tunnel over the active railway line to provide suitable land for the development. On 30 June 2005, the partially-constructed tunnel collapsed; nobody was injured, but a complete closure of the line was enacted for over six weeks before being permitted to reopen on 20 August 2005.<ref name="guardian1"/> Tesco paid an estimated £200{{nbsp}}million of compensation to both Chiltern Railways and Network Rail for the disruption; the retailer also pledged to fund a media campaign to win back passengers lost by the route's unplanned closure.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/aug/19/supermarkets.transportintheuk |title=£8.5m bill for collapse puts Tesco store in doubt |date=19 August 2005 |last=Brown |first=Paul |newspaper=The Guardian|location=Gerrards Cross}}</ref> The tunnel's construction resumed in January 2009.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/tesco-restarts-work-at-tunnel-collapse-site/1967072.article |title=Tesco restarts work at tunnel collapse site |date=15 January 2009 |last=Hansford |first=Mark |access-date=6 May 2009 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |location=London}}</ref> In late November 2010, the completed store was opened.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abell |first=Jack |title=Tesco finally opens its doors |url=http://gerrardscross.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/2010/12/tesco-finally-opens-its-doors.html |work=Buckinghamshire Advertiser |location=Uxbridge |access-date=13 December 2010 |date=3 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817044846/http://gerrardscross.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/2010/12/tesco-finally-opens-its-doors.html |archive-date=17 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2007, Henderson Equity Partners announced its intention to sell on Laing Rail along with the Chiltern Railways franchise.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chiltern Railways is on the market |url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/2007/07/news/business/200707_P_business_chiltern.html |location=Stevenage |date=31 July 2007 |access-date=10 September 2007 |newspaper=[[Railnews]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108210840/http://www.railnews.co.uk/2007/07/news/business/200707_P_business_chiltern.html |archive-date=8 November 2007}}</ref> Amongst the parties to express interest in acquiring the company were the transport groups [[Arriva]] and [[Go-Ahead Group|Go-Ahead]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Milmo |title=Arriva poised to bid for Chiltern |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/sep/07/transportintheuk |date=7 September 2007 |access-date=8 September 2007 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Go-Ahead interested in Chiltern Railways bid – CEO |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/companyResultsNews/idUKWLB154920070907 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716095038/http://uk.reuters.com/article/companyResultsNews/idUKWLB154920070907 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |date=7 September 2007 |access-date=8 September 2007 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> However, by December 2007, only the German publicly owned railway company [[Deutsche Bahn]] and the Dutch transport company [[Abellio (transport company)|NedRail]] reportedly remained in the bidding contest.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/rail-rivals-line-up-chiltern-lbvsbz6tcrb |title=Rail rivals line up Chiltern |newspaper=[[The Sunday Times]]|publisher=[[News UK]] |url-access=subscription |date=9 December 2007 |location=London |first=Dominic |last=O'Connell }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.business-sale.com/news/article/deutshe-bahn-and-nedrail-line-up-chiltern-28747.html |title=Deutsche Bahn and NedRail line up Chiltern |publisher=business-sale.com |date=11 December 2007}}</ref> In January 2008, Laing Rail was purchased by Deutsche Bahn; accordingly Chiltern Railways became a part of the [[DB Regio]] group.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/latest-news/chiltern-railways-sale/ |title=Deutsche Bahn announces acquisition of Laing Rail |date=21 January 2008 |access-date=22 January 2008 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513013537/https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/latest-news/chiltern-railways-sale/ |archive-date=13 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/deutsche-bahn-buys-laing-rail-21-01-2008/ |title=Deutsche Bahn buys Laing Rail |work=[[Construction News]] |date=21 January 2008}}</ref> During early 2011, the company was restructured, with DB Regio becoming a subsidiary of [[Arriva UK Trains]].<ref name="arriva20110503">{{cite press release |title=Review of the year to 31 December 2010: Strongly positioned for future growth |date=3 May 2011 |publisher=Arriva |location=Sunderland}}</ref>

During May 2011, Chiltern took over operating services on the [[Oxford–Bicester line]] from [[First Great Western]].<ref name="oxbic">{{cite web |title=Oxford to Bicester Town Service Change of Train Operator |url=http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=5239 |publisher=First Great Western |access-date=28 April 2011 |archive-date=21 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421032816/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=5239 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-takes-over-bicester-oxford-services |title=Chiltern Railways takes over Bicester to Oxford services |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723073505/http://chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-takes-over-bicester-oxford-services |archive-date=23 July 2012 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |location=London|date=28 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 26 October 2015, the company opened two new stations, {{rws|Oxford Parkway}} and {{rws|Bicester Village}}, providing services between north Oxford and London Marylebone.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 October 2015 |title=Chiltern Railways launches Oxford Parkway service |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/passenger/chiltern-railways-launches-oxford-parkway-service/41542.article |access-date=21 April 2021 |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London}}</ref> In December 2016, Chiltern Railways started running train services from Oxford to London Marylebone.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Chiltern Railways announces Oxford city centre to London Marylebone launch date |publisher=Chiltern Railways |location=London |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-announces-oxford-city-centre-london-marylebone-launch-date |access-date=21 April 2021 |year=2016 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421084031/https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-announces-oxford-city-centre-london-marylebone-launch-date |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2021, following the COVID-19 emergency measures, Chiltern was awarded a new direct contract by the DfT, replacing its franchise agreement, with a core term until 1 April 2025 and expiring on 12 December 2027.<ref name="c2127">{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1081080/chiltern-railway-company-ltd-rail-contract.pdf |title=National Rail Contract |publisher=Department for Transport |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=5 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 December 2021 |title=Chiltern Railways awarded new six-year contract |work=BBC News |location=Norwich |publisher=BBC English Regions |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-59531741 |access-date=5 March 2023}}</ref>

Chiltern Railways is one of several train operators impacted by the [[2022–2024 United Kingdom railway strikes]], the first national rail strike in the UK for three decades.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61573206 |title=Rail strike: RMT union votes for national action |work=BBC News |date=24 May 2022 |access-date=24 May 2022}}</ref> Its workers were amongst those are participating in [[industrial action]] due to a dispute over pay and working conditions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/strike-dates-this-week-when-train-tube-strikes-start-why-how-travel-affected-1695412 |title=The dates of the train, Tube and bus strikes this week, and how services will be affected |date=20 June 2022 |newspaper=i |location=London |access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref>

On 21 October 2024 Chiltern Railways, along with [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]] began testing trains on the full route of stage 1 of [[East West Rail]] between {{rws|Oxford}} and {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}, ahead of its 2025 opening.<ref>{{cite web |title=First train completes test run between Oxford and Milton Keynes for East West Rail |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/first-train-completes-test-run-between-oxford-and-milton-keynes-for-east-west-rail |website=Network Rail Media Centre |date=21 October 2024|access-date=26 October 2024 |language=english}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gudge |first1=Ethan |title=East West Rail: First train tests on multi-billion pound route |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1m9mlexnk8o |date=21 October 2024|access-date=26 October 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref> In March 2025, the DfT confirmed that Chiltern Railways would be the operator of passenger services between Oxford and Milton Keynes, to start later in 2025.<ref name=dftews1>{{Cite web |title=East West Rail services planned to begin this year as Chiltern Railways named operator |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/east-west-rail-services-planned-to-begin-this-year-as-chiltern-railways-named-operator |access-date=17 July 2025 |publisher = Department for Transport | date = 25 March 2025|website=GOV.UK}}</ref><ref name="CR 250325" />

==Services==
[[Image:Marylebone station.jpg|thumb|right|The main entrance to {{rws|London Marylebone}}]]
Chiltern Railways operates regular services on five routes.

The [[Chiltern Main Line]] is the core route for the majority of Chiltern Railways services and is one of two "mainline routes" operated by the company. The route links the major cities of [[London]] and [[Birmingham]] (Marylebone and Moor Street stations respectively), passing through the towns of [[High Wycombe]], [[Banbury]], [[Royal Leamington Spa]], [[Warwick]] and [[Solihull]]. Chiltern Railways operates trains along the entire line, services ranging from stopping suburban trains (e.g. London Marylebone – Gerrards Cross) to express trains running the full length of the line between London and Birmingham. The fastest timetabled journey from Birmingham to London by this route is 99{{nbsp}}minutes (compared with 82{{nbsp}}minutes using [[Avanti West Coast]] services between {{rws|Birmingham New Street}} and {{rws|London Euston}} via the [[West Coast Main Line]]).<ref name="timetable">{{cite web |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/before-you-travel/download-our-timetable/ |title=Timetables |publisher=Chiltern Railways |access-date=28 May 2025}}</ref> In addition to the Chiltern Railways services, [[CrossCountry]] also operates regular services on the line north of Banbury, and [[West Midlands Trains]] operates regular services north of {{rws|Dorridge}}.

The [[London–Aylesbury line]] is the second "mainline route" operated by the company. The route links London (Marylebone) with [[Aylesbury]] via Amersham. All Chiltern Railways services on this route run the full length of the line between Marylebone and Aylesbury stations and call at all stations north of Amersham; most trains are extended one station further to Aylesbury Vale Parkway. The line runs alongside [[London Underground]]'s [[Metropolitan line]] between {{lus|Finchley Road}} (just north of Marylebone station) and Harrow-on-the-Hill, each operator running on separate tracks. Beyond Harrow-on-the-Hill, the tracks are shared between Chiltern Railways and Metropolitan line services. This is an example of National Rail services using non-[[Network Rail]] tracks, and it uses a unique unregulated track-access agreement with London Underground.<ref>{{cite book |last=Yonge |first=John |editor-last=Jacobs |editor-first=Gerald |title=Railway Track Diagrams 5: Southern & TfL |edition=3rd |date=November 2008 |orig-year=1994 |publisher=Trackmaps |location=Bradford on Avon |isbn=978-0-9549866-4-3 |at=maps 41C, 42A, 42B, 43A}}</ref> Beyond Amersham (where the Metropolitan line terminates), all services are operated by Chiltern Railways only.

The other three routes regularly served by the company are all branch lines. The [[Aylesbury–Princes Risborough line]] links [[Princes Risborough]], on the Chiltern Main Line, with Aylesbury, on the London to Aylesbury Line. Most trains on the line continue beyond Princes Risborough to London Marylebone, which gives Aylesbury an alternative route to reach central London; however, a few services terminate at Princes Risborough. The [[Oxford–Bicester line]] branches off the Chiltern Main Line just south of Bicester and links the town with [[Oxford]]. The line is mostly served by express services to and from Marylebone. Until December 2016, the line terminated a few miles northeast of Oxford, at the nearby Oxford Parkway station; the line was then extended to the main Oxford station.<ref name="Chiltern Launch Dec 16">{{cite press release |title=Chiltern Oxford Launch |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-announces-oxford-city-centre-london-marylebone-launch-date |publisher=Chiltern Railways |access-date=20 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516171319/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-announces-oxford-city-centre-london-marylebone-launch-date |archive-date=16 May 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Leamington–Stratford line]] branches off the Chiltern Main Line at Hatton (a few miles west of Leamington Spa) and runs to [[Stratford-upon-Avon]]. The branch line is also operated by regular West Midlands Trains services.

As of May 2025, a simplified description of the routes served off-peak Monday to Friday are as follows:<ref name="timetable"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/themes/chiltern_atomic/assets/images/route_map.png |title=Route Map |publisher=Chiltern Railways |access-date=21 May 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427100757/https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/themes/chiltern_atomic/assets/images/route_map.png |url-status=dead}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" | Chiltern Main Line
|-
! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at
|-
| {{rws|London Marylebone}} to {{rws|Birmingham Moor Street}} || 1 || {{cslist|{{rws|High Wycombe}}|{{rws|Haddenham & Thame Parkway}}|{{rws|Bicester North}}|{{rws|Kings Sutton}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}})|{{rws|Banbury}}|{{rws|Leamington Spa}}|{{rws|Warwick}}|{{rws|Warwick Parkway}}|{{rws|Dorridge}}|{{rws|Solihull}}}}
|-
| London Marylebone to {{rws|Birmingham Snow Hill}} || {{abbr|{{frac|1|2}}|1 train every 2 hours}} || {{cslist|High Wycombe|Bicester North|Banbury|Leamington Spa|Warwick|Warwick Parkway|Dorridge|Solihull|Birmingham Moor Street}}
|-
| London Marylebone to Banbury || {{abbr|{{frac|1|2}}|1 train every 2 hours}}{{efn |name=headway|Combined with London - Birmingham Snow Hill service to form 1 tph}}|| {{cslist|High Wycombe|Bicester North}}
|-
| Leamington Spa to Birmingham Moor Street || {{abbr|{{frac|1|2}}|1 train every 2 hours}}{{efn| name=headway}} || {{cslist|Warwick|Warwick Parkway|{{rws|Hatton|England}}|{{rws|Lapworth}}|Dorridge|Solihull}}
|-
! colspan="3" | Oxford-Bicester line
|-
! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at
|-
| rowspan="2" | London Marylebone to {{rws|Oxford}} || 1 || {{cslist|{{rws|Gerrards Cross}}|{{rws|Beaconsfield|Buckinghamshire}}|High Wycombe|{{rws|Saunderton}}|{{rws|Princes Risborough}}|{{rws|Bicester Village}}|{{rws|Oxford Parkway}}}}
|-
| 1 || {{cslist|{{rws|Wembley Stadium}}|Gerrards Cross|Beaconsfield|High Wycombe|Princes Risborough|Haddenham & Thame Parkway|Bicester Village|{{rws|Islip}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}})|Oxford Parkway}}
|-
! colspan="3" | London–Aylesbury and Aylesbury–Princes Risborough lines
|-
!  Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at
|-
| London Marylebone to High Wycombe || 1 || {{cslist|Wembley Stadium|{{rws|Sudbury Hill Harrow}}|{{rws|Northolt Park}}|{{stn|South Ruislip}}|{{stn|West Ruislip}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}})|{{rws|Denham}}|{{rws|Denham Golf Club}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}})|Gerrards Cross|{{rws|Seer Green and Jordans}}|Beaconsfield}}
* Trains either call at West Ruislip or Denham Golf Club
|-
| Princes Risborough to {{rws|Aylesbury}} || - || {{cslist|{{rws|Monks Risborough}}|{{rws|Little Kimble}}}}
* Trains run irregularly with either hourly or 90 minute gaps
|-
| London Marylebone to Aylesbury || 1{{efn|Doesn't run some hours}} || {{cslist|{{stn|Harrow-on-the-Hill}}|{{stn|Rickmansworth}}|{{stn|Chorleywood}}|{{stn|Chalfont & Latimer}}|{{stn|Amersham}}|{{rws|Great Missenden}}|{{rws|Wendover}}|{{rws|Stoke Mandeville}}}}
|-
| London Marylebone to {{rws|Aylesbury Vale Parkway}} || 1 || {{cslist|Harrow-on-the-Hill|Rickmansworth|Chorleywood|Chalfont & Latimer|Amersham|Great Missenden|Wendover|Stoke Mandeville|Aylesbury}}
|-
! colspan="3" | Leamington–Stratford line
|-
| Leamington Spa to {{rws|Stratford-upon-Avon}} || {{abbr|{{frac|1|2}}|1 train every 2 hours}} || {{cslist|Warwick|Hatton|{{rws|Claverdon}}|{{rws|Bearley}}|{{rws|Wilmcote}}|{{rws|Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway}}}}
|}
{{notelist}}

===Parliamentary trains===
{{Main|Parliamentary train}}
[[Image:BanburyStation.jpg|thumb|right|The booking hall and main entrance to {{rws|Banbury}}]]
Chiltern Railways operates two parliamentary train services:<ref name="timetable"/>
* ''Cherwell Valley line'': there is a single daily [[parliamentary service]] operating on the [[Cherwell Valley line]] from {{rws|Oxford}} to Banbury, operated by Chiltern Railways. This service runs on Tuesdays to Saturdays just after midnight and calls at {{rws|Tackley}}, {{rws|Heyford}} and {{rws|Kings Sutton}} - the three intermediate stations on the line. There is no corresponding return service heading towards Oxford. This service exists to maintain route knowledge for Chiltern Railways' drivers. Regular services on the line are operated by [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]] and [[CrossCountry]].
* ''New North Main line/Greenford branch line'': the company also operated a weekday parliamentary service to and from {{rws|West Ealing}} in the late morning. Until December 2018, these services ran to and from {{rws|London Paddington}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/sites/default/files/files/timetables/December_09_2017_timetable.pdf |title=Timetable from 9 December 2017 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |date=9 December 2017}}</ref> They were then diverted to West Ealing following closure of the easternmost section of the New North Main line for [[High Speed 2]] construction. The parliamentary service used to run a return service, with the returning service terminating at High Wycombe. At the start of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the service was suspended until December 2021. {{As of|2022|12}}, the service no longer runs and has been replaced by a bus service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mansfield |first=Ian |date=8 December 2022 |title=Chiltern Railway's last Parliamentary Train from West Ealing |url=https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/chiltern-railways-last-parliamentary-train-from-west-ealing-59281/ |access-date=20 December 2022 |website=ianVisits}}</ref>

===Buckinghamshire Railway Centre===
On certain Bank Holiday Mondays, services are extended from Aylesbury to the [[Buckinghamshire Railway Centre|Buckinghamshire Railway Heritage Centre]] facilities at {{rws|Quainton Road}}, a short way north of {{rws|Aylesbury Vale Parkway}}. However, this did not happen in 2019 and their future is uncertain. The link will continue to be used by freight services to Calvert.

==Tickets==
[[File:Mark 3 business zone chiltern.jpg|thumb|Interior of a Business Zone carriage of a Chiltern Railways service.]]
Since winning the franchise, Chiltern has introduced "Route: High Wycombe" tickets for the Chiltern route between Birmingham and London that are considerably cheaper than "Route: Any Permitted" tickets, valid on the faster [[Avanti West Coast]] service to London Euston as well a number of other operators and routes. Chiltern offers only standard class, not standard and First Class as on Avanti services.

Until January 2022, Chiltern offered a [[premium economy]] "Business Zone" carriage on their {{brc|68}} [[Locomotive|loco-hauled services]] between Birmingham or Oxford and London.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is the Business Zone? {{!}} Chiltern Railways |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/onboard-our-trains/what-business-zone |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=www.chilternrailways.co.uk}}</ref> Passengers would pay an upgrade fee to sit in a larger first-class-style seat;<ref>{{cite web |title=Faq categories - Chiltern Railways |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/faq/on-board-our-trains |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801002644/https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/faq/on-board-our-trains |archive-date=1 August 2021 |website=www.chilternrailways.co.uk}}</ref> and formerly, this upgrade came with complimentary refreshments but, since May 2017, refreshment services have been cut on all Chiltern Railways services, meaning the "Business Zone" no longer comes with complimentary refreshments.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/chiltern-railways-axes-all-onboard-catering-a3540181.html |title=Chiltern Railways axes all on-board catering |first=Dick |last=Murray |date=16 May 2017 |website=www.standard.co.uk}}</ref>

From January 2022, Business Zone is no longer offered, and the former Business Zone carriage can be used by any customers holding a valid ticket to travel at no extra cost.

==Performance==
[[Image:165020 at South Hampstead.jpg|thumb|right|A refurbished {{brc|165}} DMU unit near {{rws|South Hampstead}}]]
Chiltern Railways' early operations were subject to considerable criticism. During 1998, its poor performance figures in criteria such as reliability, punctuality, and customer approval has led to financial penalties being incurred by the company, some of which was in the form of refunds to its passengers.<ref name="fullsteam 1999"/>

By the mid-2010s, Chiltern was considered one of the best railway operators in Britain, with [[Public Performance Measure]] (PPM) regularly over 90%,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proportion-of-trains-running-on-time |title=Proportion of trains running on time |website=GOV.UK|date=30 July 2015}}</ref> until the introduction of changes in November 2015,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-34830043 |title=Chiltern Railways admits problems |work=BBC News |date=16 November 2015}}</ref> and infrastructure issues saw punctuality fall to 86% in December 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ |title=Performance |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114925/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Chiltern's PPM is measured on stricter conditions than its long-distance rivals, such as [[Avanti West Coast]], as Chiltern has a five-minute window for performance while others have a ten-minute window.

Performance figures published by Network Rail rate Chiltern Railways sixth in train operating companies in the UK at 89.4% (PPM – period 9) and 94.3% (MAA) for the year to 12 December 2015.<ref name="PerfP9">{{cite web |title=Rail performance results period 9 |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ |publisher=Network Rail |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114925/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ |archive-date = 8 December 2015 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

A new timetable introduced in September 2011, combined with significant disruption caused by engineering work, caused a negative reaction from customers. A petition to have the service reviewed was started, and articles describing the disrupted journeys of commuters appeared in the local press.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/9269787.New_Chiltern_line_is__misery___say_commuters/ |newspaper=Bucks Free Press |first=Lawrence |last=Dunhill |title=Beaconsfield commuters say new Chiltern line is 'misery' |date=24 September 2011 |location=High Wycombe |access-date=5 October 2011}}</ref> A new timetable introduced in December 2012 also met with frustration and opposition from some customers, particularly those using Saunderton and Princes Risborough stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/10141769.Commuters_call_for_a_return_to_a_better_train_service/ |newspaper=Bucks Free Press |first=Rebecca |last=Cain |title=Commuters call for a return to a better train service |date=4 January 2011 |location=Princes Risborough |access-date=27 January 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Chiltern passenger numbers.png|thumb|Chiltern passenger numbers in millions (annual rolling average) 2010/11-2018/19 Q1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/fd00d7e2-f1e1-4e39-be2d-87e22859aaf1 |title=Display Report &#124; Office of Rail Regulation - National Rail Trends Portal |publisher=Dataportal.orr.gov.uk |access-date=15 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108133300/https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/fd00d7e2-f1e1-4e39-be2d-87e22859aaf1 |archive-date=8 November 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/2b2e2c38-c822-4e1f-9fb4-b049b3c13899 |title=Display Report - Office of Rail Regulation - National Rail Trends Portal |publisher=Office of Rail and Road |website=dataportal.orr.gov.uk}}</ref>]]

==Project Evergreen==
'''Evergreen''' is the name given by Chiltern to the major infrastructure works that the company has committed to over the 20-year duration of its franchise to improve routes and services. This has been divided into three distinct phases.

===Evergreen 1===
The main focus of phase 1 was the redoubling of the [[Chiltern Main Line]] between {{rws|Princes Risborough}} and {{rws|Bicester North}}, with work taking place during 1998, as well as between Bicester North and [[Aynho Junction]] during 2001. Furthermore, several stations were subject to reconstruction works. {{rws|Haddenham and Thame Parkway}} was rebuilt to have two operational platforms instead of a single platform; a new platform was also installed at {{rws|Princes Risborough}}. Finally, the line speed limit was raised following appropriate infrastructure improvements.<ref name="Evergreen">{{cite news |date=26 October 2011 |title=Chiltern Renaissance – The Evergreen Success |url=https://railuk.com/rail-news/chiltern-renaissance-the-evergreen-success/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106071503/https://railuk.com/rail-news/chiltern-renaissance-the-evergreen-success/ |archive-date=6 November 2024 |access-date=5 March 2025 |url-status=live |work=RailUK}}</ref>

===Evergreen 2===
Phase 2 commenced shortly following the award of Chiltern's 20-year franchise period in August 2000. The most extensive works undertaken was the realignment of the route through {{rws|Beaconsfield|Buckinghamshire}}, which permitted line speeds to be increased to {{convert|75|mph|abbr=on}}. Further improvements in this phase included the enactment of signalling improvements between High Wycombe and Bicester, as well as between Princes Risborough and Aylesbury, two new platforms were constructed at London Marylebone on land formerly occupied by the carriage sidings, while a new depot was constructed at [[Wembley]].<ref name="Evergreen"/>

===Evergreen 3===
The DfT, Chiltern Railways and [[Network Rail]] agreed in January 2010 to a £250{{nbsp}}million upgrade of the Chiltern Main Line.<ref name="Chiltern150110">{{cite press release |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/uploads/publications/1412.pdf |title=£250 investment from Chiltern Railways creates new main line |publisher=Chiltern Railways |location=London |date=15 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302045142/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/uploads/publications/1412.pdf |archive-date=2 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=4946&NewsAreaID=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505051517/http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=4946&NewsAreaID=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=£250m Rail Investment to Bring Much Faster Journeys for Chiltern Passengers |publisher=Network Rail |location=London |date=15 January 2010}}</ref>

====Phase 1====
Phase 1 of the project, now complete, involved upgrading the Marylebone – Birmingham Chiltern Main Line to permit {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}} running on an additional {{convert|50|mi}} of route. Junctions at Neasden, Northolt and [[Aynho Junction|Aynho]] were remodelled to permit higher speeds.<ref name="MR201012"/> The 'up' through track has been restored at {{rws|Princes Risborough}}, the existing 'up' line becoming a platform loop, a new turnback siding has been provided at {{rws|Gerrards Cross}}, and a new, straighter 'down' through track built from Northolt Junction (where the original layout favoured the now little-used Paddington route) to Ruislip Gardens. The existing 'down' track continues to serve {{rws|South Ruislip}} station. The former speed restrictions through {{rws|Bicester North}} have been removed to permit 100{{nbsp}}mph running.<ref name="MR201012">{{cite magazine |title=Evergreen 3 progress | magazine=[[Modern Railways]] |issue=December 2010 |page=9 |location=London}}</ref> Two additional terminating platforms at Birmingham Moor Street were reopened in December 2010. Accelerated services were initially planned to start in May 2011, but there were delays and it was not until 5 September 2011 that Chiltern was able to introduce a new timetable to take advantage of the improvements.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/business/2008/08/29-chiltern-railways-upgrade.html |title=Chiltern Railways plan to make Bicester well connected |newspaper=Railnews |location=Stevenage |date=29 August 2008 |access-date=7 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chiltern-evergreen3.co.uk |title=Project Evergreen 3 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |year=2009 |access-date=6 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828064814/http://www.chiltern-evergreen3.co.uk/ |archive-date=28 August 2009}}</ref>

As a result of the speed increases, journey times have been reduced significantly. From Marylebone, the fastest peak-hour journey time to Birmingham Moor Street is now 90{{nbsp}}minutes, instead of 117{{nbsp}}minutes previously. Chiltern Railways former chairman [[Adrian Shooter]] stated: "This is the biggest passenger rail project for several generations not to call on the taxpayer for support. Working closely with Network Rail, we are going to create a new main-line railway for the people of Oxfordshire and the Midlands. This deal demonstrates that real improvements to rail services can be paid for without public subsidy by attracting people out of their cars and on to trains."

The table below outlines the peak timetable improvements.<ref name="Chiltern150110"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;"
|+ Fastest Peak Time from London (minutes)
|-
!
! Previous time
! Post Phase 1 time
|-
! Gerrards Cross
| align=center|21
| align=center|18
|-
! High Wycombe
| align=center|34
| align=center|23
|-
! Princes Risborough
| align=center|41
| align=center|32
|-
! Bicester
| align=center|56
| align=center|44
|-
! Banbury
| align=center|63
| align=center|50
|-
! Leamington Spa
| align=center|85
| align=center|67
|-
! Solihull
| align=center|107
| align=center|84
|-
! Birmingham (Moor Street)
| align=center|117
| align=center|92
|}

====Phase 2====
[[File:OxfordParkway PlatformSite4.jpg|thumb|right|Construction of {{rws|Oxford Parkway}} station in April 2015]]
During October 2012, the [[Secretary of State for Transport]] granted permission for work to begin on Phase 2 of the Evergreen 3 project, with services between London Marylebone and Oxford.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-given-green-light-build-new-rail-line-between-oxford-and-london |title=Chiltern Railways given green light to build new rail line between Oxford and London |publisher=Chiltern Railways |location=London |date=18 October 2012 |access-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124215249/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-given-green-light-build-new-rail-line-between-oxford-and-london |archive-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McGregor |first=Sam |date=19 October 2012 |url=http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9994790.New___130m_rail_link_to_London_approved/ |title=New £130m rail link to London approved |publisher=Oxford Mail}}</ref> Under Phase 2, a quarter-of-a-mile double track has been constructed joining the [[Oxford–Bicester line]] at {{rws|Bicester Village}} to the Chiltern Main Line, allowing a new Oxford to London Marylebone service to operate. A new station, {{rws|Oxford Parkway}}, has been constructed at [[Water Eaton, Oxfordshire|Water Eaton]]; the service between Oxford Parkway and London started on 26 October 2015, with the link from Oxford Parkway to {{rws|Oxford}} becoming operational on 12 December 2016.<ref name="Chiltern Launch Dec 16"/> All signalling on the route (including the new platforms at Oxford) is controlled by the Marylebone Signalling Centre.

As part of Phase 2, the Oxford to Bicester Village service transferred from [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|First Great Western]] to Chiltern in May 2011.<ref name="oxbic"/> Part of the line between Wolvercote Tunnel (on the outskirts of Oxford) and Bicester Village was restored to double track, and the scheme included additional platforms at Oxford, {{rws|Islip}} and Bicester Village.

Network Rail provided the capital for the upgrade and will recover this through a facility charge over the subsequent 30 years, initially payable by Chiltern until its franchise expires, and then by the next franchisee. The infrastructure upgrade was carried out by main contractor [[BAM Nuttall]], in partnership with [[Jarvis plc|Jarvis]] and [[Atkins (company)|WS Atkins]].<ref name="Chiltern150110"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/chiltern-railways-announces-250m-improvements-and-new-main-line-to-be-built-by-bam-nuttall/5212923.article |title=Chiltern Railways announces £250m improvements and new main line to be built by BAM Nuttall |publisher=New Civil Engineer |location=London |date=15 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/news/JAN10/BAM_Nuttall_lands_Chiltern.html |title=BAM Nuttall lands £190 million Evergreen 3 Contract for Chiltern Railways |publisher=BAM Nuttall |location=Camberley |date=January 2010 |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831074706/http://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/news/JAN10/BAM_Nuttall_lands_Chiltern.html |archive-date=31 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Oxfordshire County Council]] supported the scheme, but required convincing of the benefits of the new Oxford Parkway station at Water Eaton, which is in the [[Green Belt]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/4630476.Rail_link_plan_runs_into_problems/ |title=Rail link plan runs into problems |work=Oxford Mail |date=15 September 2009 |access-date=10 October 2009}}</ref> In November 2011, there was a further setback to the project when a planning inspector withheld approval due to the discovery of bats roosting in Wolvercote Tunnel. [[Great crested newt]]s also had a breeding habitat close to the route.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rail line hits buffers amid bat risk fear |first=Reg |last=Little |url=http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/archive/2011/11/17/Oxford+news+%28om_oxfordnews%29/9368010.Wildlife_could_halt___130m_Oxford_train_link/ |newspaper=The Oxford Times |date=17 November 2011 |page=1}}</ref> In early 2012, the "bat problem" was apparently resolved.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-oxford-%E2%80%93-london-line-statement |title=Chiltern Railways: Oxford–London line statement |date=8 March 2012 |access-date=18 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419075436/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/chiltern-railways-oxford-%E2%80%93-london-line-statement |archive-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Post-Evergreen plans===
In addition to the completed Evergreen initiatives, other potential enhancements for Chiltern's route have been discussed, but had not progressed as at the end of 2017. These include:
* Upgrading the [[Acton–Northolt line]] (formerly the "New North Main Line") to new platforms at {{rws|Old Oak Common}}. This upgrade will also extend to {{rws|London Paddington}} to increase capacity on the [[Chiltern Main Line]] as there is no room to expand the station at Marylebone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2016/07/05/chilterns-route-study-to-tackle-capacity-challenges |title=Chilterns Route Study to tackle capacity challenges |publisher=Rail Magazine |date=5 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/documents/get_lob?id=3280&age=&field=file |title=Development of Train Services for Chiltern Routes |date=February 2011 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/longer-trains-new-track-upgraded-stations-planning-for-future-demand-for-rail-travel-in-the-west-midlands-and-chilterns |title=Longer trains, new track, upgraded stations - planning for future demand for rail travel in the West Midlands and Chilterns |publisher=Network Rail media centre |date=4 July 2016}}</ref><ref name="NWR uploads 201611">{{cite web |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/West-Midlands-and-Chilterns-Route-Study-Summary.pdf |title=West Midlands and Chilterns Route Study Summary |publisher=Network Rail |access-date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924093323/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/West-Midlands-and-Chilterns-Route-Study-Summary.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |title=West Midlands & Chilterns Route Study Advice and choices for funders |publisher=Network Rail |page=80 |url=https://cdn.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/West-Midlands-and-Chilterns-Route-Study-Final.pdf |date = August 2017 |access-date = 2 March 2018 |archive-date = 3 March 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180303050501/https://cdn.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/West-Midlands-and-Chilterns-Route-Study-Final.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref>
* Restoration of fast through lines at [[Beaconsfield]] as part of a longer-term aspiration for a 90-minute journey time between London and Birmingham.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2008/Route%2016%20-%20Chilterns.pdf |page=12 |title=Route plans 2008: Route 16: Chilterns |publisher=Network Rail |date=April 2008 |access-date=31 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320144507/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2008/Route%2016%20-%20Chilterns.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Remodelling Banbury Station and tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/BusinessPlan2007/PDF/Route%2017%20West%20Midlands.pdf |page=35 |title=Route plans 2007: Route 17: West Midlands |publisher=Network Rail |year=2007}}</ref>
* Building of the [[West Hampstead interchange]] to allow easy interchange with the [[London Overground]] - [[North London Line]], [[Jubilee line]], Metropolitan line and [[Thameslink (route)|Thameslink]] services.<ref name="camden_564194">{{cite web |url=http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/download/asset/?asset_id=564194 |title=Planning Framework for West Hampstead Interchange Area Appendix 2 |publisher=London Borough of Camden |date=19 April 2005 |page=25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611231733/http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/download/asset/?asset_id=564194 |archive-date=11 June 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref>
* New Chiltern Metro Service that would operate more than four trains per hour for Wembley Stadium, Sudbury & Harrow Road, Sudbury Hill Harrow, Northolt Park, South Ruislip and West Ruislip. This would require a reversing facility at West Ruislip, passing loops at Sudbury Hill Harrow, and a passing loop at Wembley Stadium (part of the old down fast line is in use as a central reversing siding, for stock movements and additionally for eight-car football shuttles to convey passengers to the stadium for events).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/get_document.php?id=497 |title=There's more to Chiltern than the Chilterns – The Case for a Chiltern Metro |date=January 2001 |publisher=London Travel Watch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311030147/http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/get_document.php?id=497 |archive-date=11 March 2007}}</ref> This 'Chiltern Metro' service was not programmed into the last round of franchising agreements.
* Re-opening the passenger line between {{rws|Oxford}} and {{rws|Bedford}} as part of the [[East West Rail]] project, and from {{rws|Aylesbury}} to East West Rail at [[Claydon LNE Junction]] to provide a route to [[Milton Keynes]] and the [[West Coast Main Line]] via {{rws|Bletchley}}.<ref name="centralrailway">{{cite news |url=http://www.cwn.org.uk/business/a-z/c/chiltern-railways/2000/08/000810-new-central-scheme.htm |date=10 August 2000 |title=Bid To Reopen Central Railway To Passengers |work=CWN |location=Coventry |access-date=15 April 2008 |first=Arryn |last=Buggins}}</ref> Two miles of the line north of Aylesbury re-opened on 14 December 2008, terminating at a new station, {{rws|Aylesbury Vale Parkway}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/Services-at-Aylesbury39s-new-train.4775111.jp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802224932/http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/Services-at-Aylesbury39s-new-train.4775111.jp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 August 2012 |newspaper=The Bucks Herald |location=Aylesbury |title=Services at Aylesbury's new train station to begin on Sunday |date=9 December 2008}}</ref> However, during late 2017, the Government announced that the private company, East West Rail Company, had been formed to build and operate the line exclusively.<ref name="RTM141217">{{cite web |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/chancellor-accepts-east-west-rail-targets-and-strengthens-plans-with-extra-cash |title=Chancellor accepts East West Rail targets and strengthens plans with extra cash |website=www.railtechnologymagazine.com}}</ref><ref name="Grayling">{{cite web |url=http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/2017/12/14/transport-secretary-officially-launches-east-west-railway-company-bletchley-park/ |title=Transport Secretary officially launches East West Railway Company at Bletchley Park |publisher=East West Rail |date=22 November 2017}}</ref> (That decision was subsequently overturned, see below).
* Opening a rail line from [[Aylesbury]] to an [[M6 motorway|M6]]-[[M1 motorway|M1]] Parkway Station near [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cwn.org.uk/business/a-z/c/chiltern-railways/2000/08/000811-chiltern-surprise.htm |title=The Next Train Calling at Rugby... Could be Chiltern |work=CWN |location=Coventry |first=Arryn |last=Buggins |date=11 August 2000 |access-date=15 April 2008}}</ref>
* Extending [[Oyster card|Oyster Pay-as-you-go]] to {{rws|High Wycombe}} and {{rws|Aylesbury}}.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/news-archive/exciting-times-ahead-for-passengers/ |title=Exciting times ahead for passengers using Chiltern Railways! |date=22 January 2007 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |access-date=2 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508003253/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/news-archive/exciting-times-ahead-for-passengers/ |archive-date=8 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Extension of Contactless to High Wycombe took place in June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Pay as you go expansion |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/paygexpansion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728132503/https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/paygexpansion |archive-date=28 July 2024 |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=Chiltern Railways}}</ref>

===East West Rail===
{{main|East West Rail}}
In March 2025, Chiltern announced that it had been appointed to operate passenger services on East West Rail between Oxford and {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}} (via Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, {{rws|Winslow}} (newly constructed) and {{rws|Bletchley}} stations).<ref name=dftews1 /> Chiltern expected the service to become operational in late 2025 but,<ref name=dftews1 /><ref name="CR 250325"/> {{as of|September 2025||lc=y}}, a dispute with the rail unions (over a proposal for driver-only operation) continues to prevent commencement of the service.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://oxfordclarion.uk/the-08-44-to-milton-keynes-has-been-delayed-by-several-months/ |work=Oxford Clarion |title= We are sorry to announce that the 08.44 to Milton Keynes has been delayed by several months |date= 2 September 2025}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
[[File:Marylebone station 2016 5.JPG|thumb|Class 165 ''Networker Turbos'' at Chiltern Railways' main London terminus, Marylebone]]
Chiltern Railways inherited a fleet of 34 {{brc|165}} ''Turbo'' [[diesel multiple unit]]s (DMUs) from British Rail. From the franchise's onset in July 1996, the company publicly promised to introduce new rolling stock.<ref name = "newstock pledge1996"/> During December 2004, a further five Class 165s were transferred from [[First Great Western Link]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Thames 165s on their way to Chiltern |magazine=Rail |issue=487 |date=12 May 2004 |page=27}}</ref> Between 2003 and 2005, all 39 Class 165s were overhauled by [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]] at [[Ilford EMU Depot]]; during this work, [[air conditioning]] units were installed throughout the fleet, while the hopper opening windows were removed; a first-class seating area was also implemented.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/about-us/our-train-fleet |title=Our Train Fleet |publisher=Chiltern Railways |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717071128/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/about-us/our-train-fleet |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Chiltern axes First Class seating |magazine=[[Rail Magazine]] |issue=452 |date=8 January 2003 |page=57}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=It's one class only on Chiltern |magazine=[[Today's Railways UK|Entrain]] |issue=14 |date=February 2003 |page=10}}</ref> As the fleet had been designed for suburban use, rather than InterCity travel, the Class 165s tend to be concentrated on services to Aylesbury and Banbury, although this stock can also be found operating the service between Birmingham and Leamington Spa.

Chiltern ordered several batches of {{brc|168}} ''Clubman'' DMUs. Between 1998 and 2004, these entered revenue service, the company eventually operated nine three-car and ten four-car sets.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} These operate across the network.

During April 2003, Chiltern restored a single {{brc|121}} ''Bubble Car'' for use on the {{rws|Aylesbury}} to {{rws|Princes Risborough}} shuttles. In May 2011, a second Class 121 followed after being overhauled at [[Tyseley TMD]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Unique revamped Class 121 enters service for Chiltern |magazine=[[Rail Magazine]] |issue=460 |date=30 April 2003 |page=60}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/br-green-bubble-car-dmu-headlines-1-million-upgrade-by-chiltern |title=BR green 'bubble car' headlines £1million upgrade by Chiltern |magazine=[[Rail Express]] |date=27 May 2011 |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016103738/http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/br-green-bubble-car-dmu-headlines-1-million-upgrade-by-chiltern |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://preserved.railcar.co.uk/55034.html |title=Class 121 Driving Motor Brake Second (Returned to Mainline use) |publisher=The Railcar Association}}</ref> During March 2013, a third Class 121 (121032) was acquired from [[Arriva Trains Wales]] for use as a spare parts donor. On 19 May 2017, the Chiltern Bubble cars ran for the last time, as their age made spare parts increasingly difficult to obtain.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=First Generation DMU era ends as Chiltern Bubblecars head for retirement |magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]] |issue=1395 |date=June 2017 |page=8}}</ref>

In January 2008, Chiltern ordered four two-coach {{brc|172}} ''Turbostars''; these entered service during June 2011.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.angeltrains.co.uk/news/release.aspx?Id=692 |title=Angel Trains orders 'Green Trains' for the UK Rail Market |publisher=Angel Trains |date=31 January 2008 |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016111720/http://www.angeltrains.co.uk/news/release.aspx?Id=692 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Because they cannot be fitted with the [[Train stop|tripcock safety equipment]] necessary to operate on [[London Underground]] lines, none of the Class 172s can operate via {{rws|Amersham}} unless attached to a Class 165 or Class 168 DMU. Although initially intended for use on all-stations services out of London, they frequently operated as far afield as Birmingham. During mid-2021, all of Chiltern's Class 172s were leased to [[West Midlands Trains]] for use with their existing Class 172 fleet pending the delivery of {{brc|196}} DMUs.<ref name="172move2021">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/chiltern-172s-move-west-midlands |title=Chiltern '172s' move to West Midlands |magazine=Modern Railways |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=30 January 2022}}</ref> In December 2021, it was later announced that the Class 172/1 fleet would not be returning to Chiltern once the Class 196s enter service with WMT.<ref>{{Cite tweet |date=23 September 2021 |title=The 172 style trains will not be coming back to us, the silver sets will be back in action as soon as repairs have been completed. |user=chilternrailway |number=1441291745971499011 |url-status=live |access-date=4 December 2021 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924083835/https://twitter.com/chilternrailway/status/1441291745971499011 |archive-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>

Starting in December 2010, Chiltern began operating two peak-hour loco-hauled services consisting of a {{brc|67}} diesel locomotive hauling a rake of [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3]] coaches and a [[Driving Van Trailer]]. A single set was initially hired from fellow DB Regio subsidiary [[Wrexham & Shropshire]] to operate a {{rws|Birmingham Moor Street}} to {{rws|London Marylebone}} service while another was made up of some DB-Regio-owned Mark 3s painted in [[British Rail]] blue/grey and [[Virgin Trains]] livery and operated from {{rws|Banbury}} to London Marylebone.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/chiltern-commences-birmingham-loco-hauled |title=Chiltern commence Birmingham loco-hauled |magazine=Rail Express |date=14 December 2010 |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016104132/http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/chiltern-commences-birmingham-loco-hauled |url-status=dead}}</ref>

After [[Wrexham & Shropshire]] ceased operations in January 2011, Chiltern started using a second ex-Wrexham & Shropshire set from May 2011. For the introduction of Chiltern's new timetable in September 2011, these sets had a ''Mainline'' logo and blue stripes added to their silver livery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2011/09/05-chiltern-mounts-silver-trains-challenge.html |title=Chiltern mounts Silver Trains Challenge to Virgin |publisher=Railnews |date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Motive power continued to be provided by several Class 67s, including 67010, 67012-015 and 67018, all of which had been modified to operate with [[Driving Van Trailer]]s.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

During 2012, the ex-Wrexham & Shropshire Mark 3 coaches were overhauled and fitted with sliding plug doors (similar to those fitted to [[South West Trains]]' {{brc|444}} ''Desiros'') and toilet retention tanks by [[Wabtec]]'s [[Doncaster Works]]. Once this work was completed, a further ten Mark 3s were overhauled by Wabtec to create a fifth set and to extend the existing sets up to six coaches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/chiltern-railways-puts-refurbished-mk-iii-coaches-into-service.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412072003/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/chiltern-railways-puts-refurbished-mk-iii-coaches-into-service.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2013 |title=Chiltern Railways puts refurbished Mk 111 coaches into service |publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]] |date=31 May 2012}}</ref> In 2012, the DB-Regio-owned Mark 3s used on the peak-hour Banbury service were given a light overhaul at [[Arriva TrainCare|LNWR]], [[Bristol]], and the Virgin-liveried examples repainted into British Rail blue/grey. To allow Class 168s to be cascaded to the new Oxford services as part of Evergreen 3, more Mark 3s are to be returned to service in the future.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Marylebone-Birmingham expresses from December |magazine=[[Today's Railways UK]] |location=Sheffield |issue=99 |page=7}}</ref>

Between 2015 and 2016, {{brc|170}} ''Turbostars'' with [[First TransPennine Express]] transferred to Chiltern Railways.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/campaigners-fury-nine-transpennine-express-6768197 |title=Campaigners' fury as nine TransPennine Express trains sent south in 'crazy and scandalous' move |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=3 March 2014}}</ref> Chiltern took five of the First TransPennine Class 170s from May 2015 and the remaining four in July 2016. Upon delivery, the Class 170s were modified to allow them to be used with Chiltern's existing Class 168s, and reclassified as Class 168/3s.<ref name="Knutsford1">{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=James |url=http://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/11714019.Train_users_in_Mid_Cheshire_suffer_capacity_setback/ |title=Train users in Mid Cheshire suffer capacity setback |work=Knutsford Guardian |date=9 January 2015 |access-date=28 February 2015}}</ref>

In early 2014, Chiltern Railways agreed a sub-lease from [[Direct Rail Services]] (DRS) for six {{brc|68}} locomotives for use on its London Marylebone to Birmingham service to replace the existing fleet of Class 67s. Maintenance and commissioning for the new fleet is assisted by DRS.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chiltern leases six Class 68 locos for Mainline services in £15m deal |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Awards-contracts-appointments/chiltern-leases-six-class-68-locos-for-mainline-services-in-15m-deal |work=Rail Technology Magazine |date=15 April 2014 |access-date=12 August 2014}}</ref>

During 2017, Chiltern Railways entered into an agreement with [[Artemis Intelligent Power]] and the [[Rail Safety and Standards Board]] to provide one of its redundant DVTs as a donor vehicle for conversion into a [[British Rail Class 19|new type of diesel locomotive]].<ref name=rssb>{{cite web |url=https://www.rssb.co.uk/industry-news/rssb-funds-powertrain-demonstrator |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822014951/https://www.rssb.co.uk/industry-news/rssb-funds-powertrain-demonstrator |archive-date=22 August 2018 |url-status=dead |title=RSSB funds powertrain demonstrator |date=10 March 2017 |publisher=Rail Safety and Standards Board |location=London |access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

In July 2021, Chiltern Railways converted a single {{brc|168}} unit (168329) into a Battery Hybrid train, referred to as "HybridFlex"; during February 2022, it was first run on services between London and Aylesbury.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/chiltern-railways-uk-government-warren-east-rollsroyce-london-marylebone-b981748.html |title=UK's first 100mph battery-diesel hybrid train enters passenger service |first=Neil |last=Lancefield |date=10 February 2022 |website=www.standard.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-60331243 |title=First battery-diesel hybrid train runs between London and Aylesbury |date=10 February 2022 |website=[[BBC News Online]] |access-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211155600/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-60331243 |archive-date=11 February 2022}}</ref> The company promoted the HybridFlex as increasing acceleration while reducing fuel consumption, vibration, and noise emissions, along with lessening the environmental impact of rail travel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/cutting-emissions-cleaner-greener-turbostars/?nowprocket=1 |title=Cutting Emissions – cleaner, greener Turbostars |publisher=railengineer.co.uk |date=26 April 2022}}</ref>

In August 2023, Chiltern Railways issued a tender for new trains.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Chiltern plans new train order |magazine=[[Rail Express]] |issue=327 |date=August 2023 |page=8}}</ref>

In October 2024, the first of newly refurbished Class 168 units ran in passenger service for the first time. This £12{{nbsp}}million refurbishment, which will carry on for the full fleet during 2025, includes a heavy maintenance baseline including battery and air system overhauls, repainting the exterior of the units, upgrading the interior passenger environment, a new Wi-Fi system, installation of USB charging sockets, improvements to the fleet's reliability, an overhaul of the heating and cooling system, new seat cushions and covers, new carpets, and new lighting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Booth |first=Janine |date=10 October 2024 |title=Chiltern Railways unveils refurbished Class 168 train |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/10/chiltern-railways-unveils-refurbished-class-168-train.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012180505/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/10/chiltern-railways-unveils-refurbished-class-168-train.html |archive-date=12 October 2024 |access-date=12 October 2024 |website=Rail Advent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Launch of the first refurbished Class 168 with Chiltern... · Porterbrook |url=https://www.porterbrook.co.uk/news/launch-of-the-first-refurbished-class-168-with-chiltern-railways |access-date=12 October 2024 |website=Porterbrook}}</ref>

In March 2025, Chiltern Railways announced that they will be the Passenger Operators of the East West Rail line service between Oxford and {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}. The service will employ {{brc|196}} trains.<ref name="CR 250325">{{Cite press release |title=Chiltern Railways selected as operator for the first stage of East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes |publisher=Chiltern Railways |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/oxford-to-miltonkeynes |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=www.chilternrailways.co.uk}}</ref> 

In August 2025, following an [[invitation to tender]] in July 2025 for replacement rolling stock, the company placed a leasing order with [[Beacon Rail]] for its [[British Rail Mark 5A|Mark 5A]] fleet. This also includes the [[British Rail Class 68|Class 68]] sets previously used by [[TransPennine Express]]. The carriages will replace the fleet of [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 coaching stock]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stubbings |first=David |title=Chiltern Railways finally confirms £360m Mk 5A deal |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/chiltern-railways-finally-confirms-360m-mk-5a-deal |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=www.railmagazine.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Current fleet===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |Family
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Number
! rowspan="2" |Carriages
! rowspan="2" |Routes operated
! rowspan="2" style="width:60px;" |Built
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!mph
!km/h
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Networker (train)|Networker]]
| rowspan="3" | [[British Rail Class 165|165/0 ''Networker Turbo'']]
| rowspan="3" | [[File:165026 SOL 2024.jpg|150x150px]]
| rowspan="10" | [[diesel multiple unit|DMU]]
| rowspan="3" | 75
| rowspan="3" |120
| 28
| 2
|rowspan="2"| All Chiltern Railways services (apart from Mainline services)
|rowspan="2"| 1990{{ndash}}1992
|-
| 11
| 3
|-
| colspan="4" | [[File:Chiltern Class 165 0 2 Car.png|396x396px]]<br>[[File:Chiltern Class 165 0 3 Car.png|587x587px]]
|-
| rowspan="7" | [[Bombardier Turbostar]]
| rowspan="7" | [[British Rail Class 168|168 ''Clubman'']]
| [[File:Class 168005.jpg|150x150px]]
| rowspan="8" | 100
| rowspan="8" | 160
| 5
| 4
| rowspan="6" | [[Chiltern Main Line|Chiltern Mainline]] and some local services
| 1998
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[File:168-109 Chiltern Banbury 14-03-17 (34752669050).jpg|150x150px]]
| 6
| 3
| rowspan="2" | 2000
|-
| 2
| 4
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[File:General Railway Pictures 2014 194.jpg|150x150px]]
| rowspan="2" | 3
| 3
| rowspan="2" | 2004
|-
| 4
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[File:168321 Kings Sutton Foot Crossing.jpg|150x150px]]
| 9
| 2
| 2000
|-
| colspan="4" | [[File:Chiltern Class 168 3.png|378x378px]]<br>[[File:Chiltern Class 168 1 3 Car.png|559x559px]]<br>[[File:Chiltern Class 168 0.png|739x739px]]
|-
| [[Stadler Eurolight|Stadler UKLight]]
| {{brc|68}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Angel Trains orders 'green trains' for the UK rail market |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Awards-contracts-appointments/chiltern-leases-six-class-68-locos-for-mainline-services-in-15m-deal |date=15 April 2014 |work=railtechnologymagazine.com}}</ref>
| [[File:68013 BMO 2024.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Diesel-electric locomotive]]
| 8
| rowspan="3" | 6
| rowspan="3" | [[Chiltern Main Line|Chiltern Mainline]] services
| 2014
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[British Rail Engineering Limited|BREL]]
| [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Passenger Board Annual Report 08/09 |url=http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/downloads/29624.4/passenger-board-report-2008-2009.pdf |date=24 June 2009 |publisher=Chiltern Railways |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229050940/http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/downloads/29624.4/passenger-board-report-2008-2009.pdf |archive-date=29 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Coaching Stock Design Contract for Chiltern Railways |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/contractors/signal/delta-rail/press7.html |date=21 July 2009 |work=Railway Technology |access-date=29 August 2009 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607001220/http://www.railway-technology.com/contractors/signal/delta-rail/press7.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:BR Mk.IIIa TSO No.12604 (8074749189).jpg|150px]]
| [[Passenger car (rail)|Passenger carriage]]
| rowspan="2" | 125
| rowspan="2" | 200
| 25
| 1975{{ndash}}1988
|-
| [[Driving Van Trailer#Mark 3 DVT|Driving Van Trailer]]
| [[File:82304 LMS.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Control car]]
| 6
| 1988
|}

=== Future fleet ===
Future train types operated by Chiltern Railways include:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! rowspan="2" |Family
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Number
! rowspan="2" |Carriages
! rowspan="2" |Routes operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!mph
!km/h
|-
! colspan="10" |DMU
|-
|[[CAF Civity]]
|{{brc|196}}
|[[File:Shrewsbury - WMR 196107 arrived from Birmingham.JPG|150x150px]]
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Diesel multiple unit|DMU]]
| style="text-align:center;" |100
| style="text-align:center;" |161
| style="text-align:center;" |6
| style="text-align:center;" |2
|East West Rail:<br>{{rws|Oxford}} to {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}<ref name="CR 250325" />
| style="text-align:center;" |2019–20
|-
! colspan="10" |Locomotive Hauled Stock
|-
|[[Stadler Eurolight|Stadler UKLight]]
|[[British Rail Class 68|68]]<ref name="bidstats.uk">{{Cite web |title=Replacement (Existing) Rolling Stock for Chiltern Railways [Award] |url=https://bidstats.uk/tenders/2025/W30/850985284 |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=bidstats.uk}}</ref>
|[[File:68013 BMO 2024.jpg|150x150px]]
|[[Diesel locomotive|Diesel Locomotive]]
|100
|161
|14
| rowspan="3" |5
| rowspan="3" |[[Chiltern Main Line|Chiltern Mainline]] services<ref>{{Cite web |title=More Trains, Newer Trains {{!}} Chiltern Railways |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/more-trains-newer-trains |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=www.chilternrailways.co.uk}}</ref>
|2016-2017
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]]
| rowspan="2" |[[British Rail Mark 5A|Mark 5A ''Nova 3'']]<ref name="bidstats.uk" />
| align="center" |[[File:TPE_Mark_5_TS_12718_at_Crewe_Carriage_Shed.JPG|150x150px]]
|[[Passenger railroad car|Coach]]
| rowspan="2" |125
| rowspan="2" |200
|52
| rowspan="2" |2017-2018
|-
|[[File:TPE_NOVA_3_Manchester_Piccadilly.jpg|alt=|150x150px]]
|[[Control car|Driving Trailer]]
|14
|}

===Past fleet===
Former train types operated by Chiltern Railways include:
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Qty.
! rowspan="2" |Carriages
! rowspan="2" |Routes operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
! rowspan="2" |Withdrawn
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!mph
!km/h
|-
|{{brc|67}}
|[[File:67 012 & 67 013 Marylebone(8074739251).jpg|150px]]
|[[Diesel locomotive]]
|125
|200
|5
|N/A
|[[Chiltern Main Line]] services
|1999–2000
|December 2014
|-
|{{brc|121}}
|[[File:121-020 Bodmin 29-06-2018 (42243164095).jpg|150x150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[diesel multiple unit|DMU]]
|70
|112
|2
|1
|[[Aylesbury–Princes Risborough line|Aylesbury–Princes Risborough]]
|1959–60
|19 May 2017<ref>{{cite press release |title=Retirement of the Class 121 "Bubble Car" |url=https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/retirement-class-121-bubble-car |publisher=Chiltern Railways |access-date=12 July 2017}}</ref>
|-
|[[British Rail Class 172|172/1]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Angel Trains orders 'green trains' for the UK rail market |url=http://www.angeltrains.co.uk/press/release.aspx?Id=692 |date=31 January 2008 |publisher=Angel Trains}}{{Dead link|date=July 2021|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
|[[File:CR 172-1 172103 (8344277164).jpg|150x150px]]
|100
|160
|4
|2
|All Chiltern Railways services (apart from London-Amersham/Aylesbury line)
|2011
|May 2021<ref name="172move2021"/>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|London transport}}
* [[London Midland]]
* [[Varsity Line]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine |title=The quiet revolution |first=Mel |last=Holley |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue=324|publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |date=11–24 February 1998 |pages=26–29 |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090828064814/http://www.chiltern-evergreen3.co.uk/ Evergreen 3 Project]

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Network SouthEast]]<br />As part of [[British Rail]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Operator of Chiltern franchise
|years=1996{{ndash}}2027}}
{{S-inc}}
{{s-end}}

{{Railway Stations served by Chiltern Railways}}
{{UK TOCs|current|state=collapsed}}
{{Transport in London}}
{{Arriva Group UK}}
{{Deutsche Bahn}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Arriva Group companies]]
[[Category:John Laing Group]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1996]]
[[Category:Railway operators in London]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Buckinghamshire]]
[[Category:Train operating companies in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in England]]