A NEW rail link between central Oxford and London Marylebone will finally be complete in 100 days, rail bosses have said.

Chiltern Railways and Network Rail say the first commuter train on the new service will roll out of Oxford Station on December 12.

It is the final section of the new line which already links Oxford Parkway Station, opened last year, with London.

Yesterday Chiltern Railways claimed the "landmark achievement" would give travellers in Oxfordshire more options for journeys to the capital, competing against trains offered by Great Western Railway.

The new service will allow passengers to get from Oxford Station to London Marylebone in about an hour.

The trains will also provide free wi-fi internet, power sockets and "spacious" seating.

Chiltern Railways managing director Dave Penney said: "With just 100 days to go, we’re starting the official countdown to the launch of Chiltern Railways services from Oxford city centre on December 12.

"Not only will the competition of the route deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits for those living and working along the route, it will support growth of the visitor economy bringing more tourists to the city to experience everything Oxford has to offer."

Martin Frobisher, Managing Director of Network Rail's London North Western route, said: "This important landmark in our nationwide Railway Upgrade Plan will offer a great new travel option not just for business and leisure passengers in Oxford going to London but also for those in London heading to Oxford.

"It will bring economic benefits to the Oxford region and with it new opportunities for people living there."