The launch of passenger services on the East West Rail line between Oxford and Milton Keynes has been delayed until at least 2026 due to a dispute over the staffing of trains, with no firm start date yet confirmed. Initially scheduled to open this autumn, the first stage of the new railway along the Oxford-Cambridge arc faces this setback even though the track, infrastructure, and rolling stock are ready, and freight trains are already using the route.
The core of the disagreement lies in the operator, Chiltern Railways, planning to run trains without guards. Both the RMT union, which represents guards, and Aslef, representing drivers, are opposed to extending driver-only operated trains across the UK network.
Unions state they were only recently informed of Chiltern's intentions, with the RMT seeking talks and Aslef awaiting the outcome of those negotiations. The completion of Winslow, the only new station built on the route so far, is also still ongoing.
Chiltern Railways expressed eagerness to launch the service, highlighting its potential to create jobs and deliver significant regional benefits, and stated they are working with the Department for Transport and trade unions to achieve this. The Department for Transport confirmed their support for Chiltern in collaborating with unions to get the services operational.
The government views East West Rail as a crucial project for economic growth, job creation, and improved public transport in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, which is being developed as a major economic hub. Further phases of the railway, including upgrades to Bedford and a new line to Cambridge, are also likely to face further delays into the 2030s due to changes in the scope and route, intended to accommodate more trains and a new station for a planned theme park.
