The station is served by local services operated by Great Western Railway.

The station was originally intended to serve trains between the north of England and the south coast which could thus avoid a reversal at Reading.

[2][3] On 28 December 1965, the 08:30 passenger service from Reading General to Penzance derailed near the station.

[4] In 2015, Network Rail's Western Route Study suggested the provision of a grade separated junction at Southcote to the south of the station, with a third track to be provided between there and the junction with the Great Western main line to the north of the station.

To switch platforms passengers must now leave the station and cross underneath the railway bridge on the Oxford Road.

The tracks to the west curve round to join the Great Western Main Line towards Bristol at Reading West Junction, and are largely used by freight trains between Southampton Docks and points to the north.

The station is served by local services operated by Great Western Railway between Reading and Basingstoke or Newbury.