The opening of the new £7 billion East West Rail service, connecting Oxford to Milton Keynes, is expected to be delayed due to strike action. Staff on Chiltern Railways, who will operate the service, are scheduled to take part in two 24-hour walkouts.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will strike on 10 and 17 October. This industrial action follows a vote by union members against the introduction of driver-only operation (DOO) for the new route.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that the proposal for East West Rail poses a "significant risk" to safety and current train manager roles. Chiltern Railways interim managing director Tony Baxter expressed disappointment, noting that the company expects to operate most services on strike days and will confirm timetables shortly.
Mr Baxter added that every East West Rail service will have a driver and another colleague on board to assist passengers. The Department for Transport supports Chiltern Railways' use of the driver-in-control-of-doors model, stating it will not alter existing train manager roles or staffing levels.