RMT to demonstrate against Driver Only Operation on East West Rail in New Year

23 December 2025

RMT Press Office:

Rail union RMT, will stage a demonstration at 9am on Monday 5 January outside Marylebone station in opposition to plans to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the new East West Rail line.
The action follows confirmation from Chiltern Railways that it intends to operate services on the new route without a second safety-critical member of staff, despite RMT’s long-standing opposition to DOO.

RMT is clear that a second safety-critical person onboard trains play a vital role in protecting passengers and workers, including providing reassurance, deterring anti-social behaviour, coordinating responses to incidents, managing emergency evacuations and dealing with fires.

The recent mass stabbing on an LNER service at Huntingdon station has once again highlighted the importance of trained staff being present onboard to react quickly, raise the alarm and ensure effective coordination with control, signallers and the British Transport Police.

The union is demanding clear guarantees that East West Rail services operated by Chiltern will not be DOO and that a second safety-critical member of staff will be a mandatory requirement for trains to run.

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “A guaranteed safety-critical second person onboard trains is essential for carrying out a wide range of duties and responding properly to dangerous and fast-moving situations.

“It is vital that any method of dispatch is agreed with the union and properly reflects the safety-critical skills and responsibilities of the second crew member.

“The horrific incident at Huntingdon showed exactly why having trained staff onboard matters.
 
"The quick actions of the guard and other crew meant the seriousness of the situation was immediately understood by control, signallers and the British Transport Police, allowing swift and decisive action.

“We need a clear commitment from Chiltern that East West Rail services will not be Driver Only Operation and that a second safety-critical member of staff will be guaranteed.

“Passengers value the reassurance of having staff onboard, and RMT remains totally opposed to DOO.

“If Chiltern management continue to be unreasonable, we cannot rule out Industrial action to defend this safety-critical role.”

END

The Oxford Clarion now has 'By 25th September 2025'. I'm wondering when the first opportunity will be for a one change-of-train journey from Bristol to Bletchley, the last Saturday Bristol to Oxford services... do those cease after 17/05/25?

The Oxford Clarion now has 'By 25th September 2025'. I'm wondering when the first opportunity will be for a one change-of-train journey from Bristol to Bletchley, the last Saturday Bristol to Oxford services... do those cease after 17/05/25?

Mark

Chiltern Railways selected as operator for the first stage of East West Rail - Oxford to Milton Keynes

Serving six stations, the new route will transform economic and social connections in the area by linking Oxford and Milton Keynes with reliable and efficient rail services for the first time in nearly 60 years. The services will also support vibrant new and expanded communities, including new commercial and residential developments along the full East West Rail route.

Trains will stop at Oxford, Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central - providing easier and faster connectivity for passengers and local businesses.

To help deliver the new service, Chiltern has already expanded its excellent team, and we will welcome 94 permanent employees - including new drivers, station colleagues, and other key roles along the route.

Chiltern will also manage a new station in Winslow with two platforms and full step-free access. This new station will connect Winslow and surrounding communities to expanded employment opportunities, easier access to public services, and reduced reliance on road travel.

In being selected as the operator on the line Chiltern has agreed to meet a comprehensive framework of operating conditions and requirements set by the Department for Transport. Initial services will use Class 196 trains which will be branded in Chiltern colours.

Chiltern’s Managing Director Richard Allan said:

"The first stage of East West Rail will provide fast, direct train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and we are delighted that Chiltern has been announced as operator. 

Chiltern has a proud track record of delivering new services and infrastructure, including our London to Oxford connections and introduction of new stations at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village. 

We are looking forward to carrying customers on this exciting new route which is set to make a critical contribution to the UK’s economic growth."

Development of the second and third stages of East West Rail are expected to start from 2030, with the Government having confirmed funding in January.

Trains from Oxford to Milton Keynes Central, starting next year, will take just 44 minutes – a journey that can take up to 2hr by car. Although passenger services will not start until late 2025, the slots have been set out in the new timetable. Services will run every half hour, with a typical journey being Oxford 1339, Parkway 1346, Bicester Village 1355, Winslow 1406, Bletchley 1417, MK 1423.

Chiltern will operate the service using modern two-car trains

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:OXF/to/gb-nr:BLU/2024-12-18/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt