Banbury station has officially revealed a series of customer-focused improvements following a joint investment by Chiltern Railways and Oxfordshire County Council, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience at one of the railway's key interchange hubs.
The revamped ticket office and station entrance were formally unveiled during a stakeholder event attended by representatives from Chiltern Railways, Oxfordshire County Council, Banbury Town Council, Cherwell District Council and the Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership.
The upgrade programme has transformed the station environment over recent months, delivering a brighter, cleaner and more welcoming gateway for the thousands of passengers who use Banbury each year.
Works completed as part of the project include:
- Full repainting of stairwells and concourse areas
- Installation of new customer seating
- Deep cleaning of station flooring
- New glazing film installation
- Replacement of the ticket hall ceiling
- Additional internal decoration works
- Anti-slip treatment applied to ticket hall flooring and replacement entrance doormats
The improvements form part of a wider commitment to modernising station facilities and improving the overall customer journey across the Chiltern Railways network.
Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said:
“Banbury is a key hub on our network and we are delighted that the station has been significantly upgraded".
“Ensuring our stations are well-kept, maintained and enhanced is crucial for the travel experience which we are always striving to improve for our customers.”
The project complements wider transport investment in the area, including improvements to station accessibility and connectivity.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:
“I am proud to celebrate the upgrades made to Banbury's vital railway station.
“Commuters can also enjoy safer and more sustainable travel options to and from the station with our Tramway Road improvements.”
The station enhancement scheme reinforces the strategic importance of Banbury as a major rail hub serving Oxfordshire and the wider Chiltern route, while supporting ambitions to encourage greater use of public transport through improved passenger facilities.
Image credit: Chiltern Railways
