East West Rail Launch Stalled by Industrial Dispute Over Train Door Operation

The opening of the £7 billion East West Rail, a flagship government rail project intended to reconnect Oxford and Cambridge, has been delayed by a dispute over responsibility for operating train doors. Despite the completion of track work and empty passenger trains running up and down the new corridor for months, no scheduled public services have yet commenced, contrary to government assurances that the line would open this year.

A core element of the delay concerns the disagreement between trade unions and Chiltern Railways, the operator appointed to run East West Rail. At issue is whether train drivers or guards should oversee the opening and closing of train doors. Unions representing both drivers and guards oppose driver-only operation, citing concerns about passenger safety and the potential eradication of guard posts, which would impact union membership and overall employment.

Chiltern Railways prefers to use drivers to operate the doors, consistent with practices on many commuter services. The Class 165 diesel multiple units currently utilised for driver training on the route were specifically designed for operation without guards. These units are widely used by Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway.

Representatives from the Aslef and RMT unions remain firm in their opposition, effectively pausing progress while awaiting satisfactory resolution. Both unions have declined to begin detailed negotiations with management; Aslef, the drivers’ union, insists on hearing RMT’s position first. An RMT spokesperson confirmed ongoing talks with management and reiterated the union’s opposition to driver-only operation.

This standoff has reinvigorated familiar tensions within the rail sector. Labour has faced criticism from Conservative politicians, who argue that union resistance is enabled by prior concessions on pay and conditions, creating an environment in which large-scale public projects risk indefinite delay.

Alongside labour-related setbacks, Chiltern Railways recently declared the newly built Winslow station unfit for regular use. The station was described during a trade conference as failing to meet operational and passenger requirements, with ongoing remedial work required from Network Rail and additional improvements installed by Chiltern to address staff welfare and amenities.

Despite these obstacles, the Department for Transport maintains that the East West Rail development is essential to unlocking new jobs, homes, and economic growth for communities in the region. Officials have reiterated their support for Chiltern Railways in securing union agreement and advancing towards operational status.

With over £1 billion already spent as of last year, and inflation pushing current costs to approximately £7 billion, investors and stakeholders are watching developments closely. The outcome of these negotiations may set critical precedents for the introduction of new technology and working practices across the British railway network.