The East West Rail line between Oxford and Milton Keynes, completed in 2024 as part of a £7 billion infrastructure project, faces further delays in commencing passenger services due to an ongoing dispute between Chiltern Railways and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union. Although the 36-mile line was handed over to Chiltern Railways upon completion, only empty trains for driver training and freight services have operated since.

The core of the dispute centers on whether train doors should be operated by drivers alone or managed by a second staff member, traditionally a guard. Chiltern Railways has proposed introducing customer service inspectors on board to perform tasks such as customer care, revenue protection, announcements, and reporting faults, while allowing drivers to control the doors. This approach would enable some services to run without a second operational staff member.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey criticized the plan, describing it as an attempt to undermine the safety-critical role of train guards. In a letter to union members, Dempsey called the proposal “abhorrent” and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to maintaining a second staff member on board due to their essential safety responsibilities and ability to respond swiftly to emergencies. He stated that the RMT would leverage all available political and industrial means to defend passenger safety.

Transport Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill had indicated in June that passenger services were scheduled to begin in December 2026, but the continuing impasse threatens that timeline. The RMT’s rejection of Chiltern’s latest offer has stalled progress, prolonging the period during which the rail line remains without public passenger service.

Adding to the criticism, Diana Blamires, co-founder of the East West Rail Action Group, called the situation “an absolute shambles” and labeled the project “a disgraceful waste of money,” reflecting public frustration over the prolonged delays.

Chiltern Railways acknowledged that additional work remains to finalize train preparations and clarify operating arrangements before services can launch. With both sides holding firm on their positions, the future start date for passenger operations on East West Rail remains uncertain.