The launch of the new East West Rail link — a multibillion-pound project designed to reconnect Oxford and Milton Keynes by passenger train for the first time in nearly six decades — is facing fresh uncertainty amid a dispute over how the service will be operated.

Chiltern Railways, the train operator appointed to run the line, is at loggerheads with the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union over plans for driver-only operation (DOO). The union claims the company intends for train drivers to take responsibility for opening and closing doors at stations, removing the need for guards on board.

Services had been expected to begin before the end of December, following the completion of construction on the first phase of East West Rail in December 2024. However, no revised start date has been confirmed, placing the long-awaited opening in doubt.

The introduction of DOO has been a long-running flashpoint between unions and rail operators, previously sparking industrial action at companies including Southern and South Western Railway. The RMT has reiterated its opposition to the practice and is pushing for urgent discussions.

An RMT spokesman said:

"On Chiltern and East West Rail, we can confirm that management have written to the union spelling out their plans for DOO. We are seeking talks and RMT's standing policy is that we are opposed to DOO."

Concerns are shared by Aslef, the train drivers’ union, with a source telling the PA news agency that there should be “no extension” of DOO on Britain’s network, arguing it is “clearly not safe” for some services.

Chiltern Railways insists it is working collaboratively to bring the project to fruition and stresses the employment and economic benefits the new line will deliver.

A spokesperson for Chiltern Railways said:

"We are working with the Department for Transport (DfT), trade unions and other industry partners to deliver the first stage of East West Rail for customers and businesses. As well as creating nearly 100 new permanent jobs at Chiltern, this new service will deliver immense benefits across the region, so we are eager to ensure that these benefits are realised for the community as soon as possible."

The National Audit Office previously estimated the East West Rail project to be a £6–7bn investment, underscoring the scale and significance of the scheme now facing delay.

Image: Chiltern Railways