| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:25, 9th February 2026 |     |
I consider myself to be a socially progressive professional, but thankfully no longer fear losing my job, being recently retired. I am a strong supporter of unions in jobs that invite exploitation and abuse - the sacked London bus driver is a case in point. I have willing been a union member in my past.
But this is beyond the pale.
Holding me, the general public hostage to their broader squabbles is outrageous, and I - a previous supporter - am incensed that this 1970's 'demarkation' is allowed to persist.
More train services mean more trains; and more trains mean more train staff. For goodness sake, climb out of your 70's militant mind set and embrace a new way forward where modern public transport is the norm, not a legacy item for those that can't afford, or care to use, a private car.
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 21:27, 9th February 2026 | |
They're not - and that's the problem.
The RMT require Chiltern to employ a second safety-critical trained person on each train in passenger service., effectively doubling the staff costs for each train. The DfT refuse to pay.
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ray951 at 16:25, 9th February 2026 | |
They need union sign off in order to operate. The depot that the DfT want Chiltern to use is currently NOT DOO, hence using DOO at Bletchley depot will mean that the RMT will be in dispute at that depot & will likely call out their members there.
Sorry, it’s still not clear to me. I understood that the drivers are employed by Chiltern and are typically ASLEF members, so which employees at Bletchley — who are RMT members — are being asked to operate DOO?
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by John D at 12:49, 9th February 2026 | |
They need union sign off in order to operate. The depot that the DfT want Chiltern to use is currently NOT DOO, hence using DOO at Bletchley depot will mean that the RMT will be in dispute at that depot & will likely call out their members there.
East West rail has proposed a new depot (which is still going through planning and consultation) north of Newton Longville, north of the east-West railway, west of Bletchley, near Whaddon Road.
This will be for whole line so will have 20 sidings for 5car trains plus a maintenance depot.
But the complication is in short term, wanted to use existing non DOO depot at Bletchley in interim, and union sees it as slippery slope to converting existing Bletchley depot to DOO.
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 12:21, 9th February 2026 | |
They need union sign off in order to operate. The depot that the DfT want Chiltern to use is currently NOT DOO, hence using DOO at Bletchley depot will mean that the RMT will be in dispute at that depot & will likely call out their members there.
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ray951 at 12:13, 9th February 2026 | |
This whole situation is incredibly frustrating and feels like yet another example of money being wasted on the railways.
I’m struggling to understand why the RMT are involved at all — if there are no guards on the trains, who exactly are they negotiating on behalf of?
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 11:46, 9th February 2026 | |
Chiltern was announced nearly 18 months ago (and probably had Heads Up many weeks before that), so why starting a service is still being discussed with DfT is a mystery to me
Your answer is in the article....DOO/DCO argument with the RMT & DfT don't want to pay any more.....
A local councillor said it had been due to open in the Buckinghamshire town in December 2025 but there had been a "comedy of errors", including a row over who will control the opening and closing of carriage doors.
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by John D at 11:39, 9th February 2026 | |
An Update from a local councillor, at Winslow, who has apparently had update from Chiltern.
Chiltern was announced nearly 18 months ago (and probably had Heads Up many weeks before that), so why starting a service is still being discussed with DfT is a mystery to me
Residents of Winslow are frustrated a new railway station completed over a year ago has still not opened.
A local councillor said it had been due to open in the Buckinghamshire town in December 2025 but there had been a "comedy of errors", including a row over who will control the opening and closing of carriage doors.
Diana Blamires, who sits on the town council, said the local community was "obviously furious" and "it makes Winslow station a laughing stock".
In a statement, Chiltern Railways - responsible for operating services between Oxford and Milton Keynes - said no date for the opening had yet been confirmed.
Blamires said: "Now we are told there are no trains and the rolling stock has gone elsewhere.
"And next the platforms are going to have to be rebuilt to make them longer because of Universal Studios coming to the area."
Winslow resident Andy Dyke said the station always came up in conversations between locals.
He said: "It is frustrating for the town."
Natalie Wheble, from the East West Rail project (EWR), told a transport meeting at Buckinghamshire Council longer trains were needed because of the expected increased demand generated by the Universal theme park, due to be built near Bedford.
She said EWR expected to run five-car trains rather than the previously planned four, which meant its plans had changed.
A spokesperson for EWR added: "This uplift in capacity has led to a review of all infrastructure requirements and in the case of Winslow station, a decision has been taken to extend the platforms, so it can accommodate the use of longer trains.
"Any work to extend platforms at Winslow would not affect the introduction of Chiltern's new services."
They said that in March last year, the government had announced that Chiltern Railways would be the operator of services connecting Oxford and Milton Keynes.
"Since then, Chiltern has been working closely with the Department of Transport and industry colleagues with the aim of introducing services on the new line as soon as possible."
A local councillor said it had been due to open in the Buckinghamshire town in December 2025 but there had been a "comedy of errors", including a row over who will control the opening and closing of carriage doors.
Diana Blamires, who sits on the town council, said the local community was "obviously furious" and "it makes Winslow station a laughing stock".
In a statement, Chiltern Railways - responsible for operating services between Oxford and Milton Keynes - said no date for the opening had yet been confirmed.
Blamires said: "Now we are told there are no trains and the rolling stock has gone elsewhere.
"And next the platforms are going to have to be rebuilt to make them longer because of Universal Studios coming to the area."
Winslow resident Andy Dyke said the station always came up in conversations between locals.
He said: "It is frustrating for the town."
Natalie Wheble, from the East West Rail project (EWR), told a transport meeting at Buckinghamshire Council longer trains were needed because of the expected increased demand generated by the Universal theme park, due to be built near Bedford.
She said EWR expected to run five-car trains rather than the previously planned four, which meant its plans had changed.
A spokesperson for EWR added: "This uplift in capacity has led to a review of all infrastructure requirements and in the case of Winslow station, a decision has been taken to extend the platforms, so it can accommodate the use of longer trains.
"Any work to extend platforms at Winslow would not affect the introduction of Chiltern's new services."
They said that in March last year, the government had announced that Chiltern Railways would be the operator of services connecting Oxford and Milton Keynes.
"Since then, Chiltern has been working closely with the Department of Transport and industry colleagues with the aim of introducing services on the new line as soon as possible."
Fairly sure there was a date for opening (in 2025), but just didn't do it then, and appears haven't got a revised date yet. Reminds me of movie Zootropolis where sloths are doing (very slowly) the admin.
https://www.aol.com/articles/delays-opening-makes-station-laughing-061131519.html
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 20:18, 3rd January 2026 | |
RMT Press Release
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
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
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 17:35, 30th March 2025 | |
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?
They do currently....but I expect them back sometime in September, when the 'summer' services in the SW finish. Might be that weekend...
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by grahame at 13:50, 28th March 2025 | |
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
Mark
The opportunity is already there, isn't it? Change at New Street.
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by Mark A at 12:30, 28th March 2025 | |
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
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 20:30, 26th March 2025 | |
Chiltern confirmed as initial operator, but no timetable nor start date still
From Chiltern -
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.
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.
There's also an FAQ here
https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/oxford-to-miltonkeynes
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by IndustryInsider at 18:38, 27th September 2024 | |
Perfect timings for testing and route learning. Passenger services will no doubt start earlier and finish later when it opens. I predict services operated by 2-car units will get crammed very quickly!
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 15:33, 27th September 2024 | |
I wouldn't take too much notice of thiat - I would hope first & last trains were a lot earlier & later than stated!!
| Re: East West Rail Timetable Posted by Noggin at 14:22, 27th September 2024 | |
Perhaps also worth noting the start date - 16/12/2024 - presumably that means the first test/driver training trains could be seen from that point?
| East West Rail Timetable Posted by ChrisB at 21:38, 16th August 2024 | |
The Oxford Clarion reports today that -
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
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
Mods - Tidy up this url please - even putting around that, it comes out really oddly
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
