UK: A new onboard job title wasn’t enough to end a year-long staffing dispute that’s kept East West Rail’s first passenger trains from running — because the role Chiltern Railways proposed still doesn’t include opening the doors.

A Chiltern Railways Class 168 test train for East West Rail at Milton Keynes Central
A Chiltern Railways Class 168 test train at Milton Keynes Central. Illustrative photo. Photo: Jsalty254, CC BY-SA 4.0.

RMT rejected Chiltern’s proposal for a new “Customer Service Inspector” grade on the Oxford–Milton Keynes route on Aug. 5, according to Rail Magazine. The union has opposed Driver Only Operation on the line for over a year; this marked what appeared to be a breakthrough after recent talks, before RMT’s National Executive Committee determined the new role “does not meet the aspirations of this Union.”

Don’t miss…Chiltern Railways East West Rail Set for 2025 Start

A role that stops short of the doors

Chiltern had advertised for the new inspectors, based at East West Rail’s Bletchley depot, to handle customer care, revenue protection and on-train announcements, and to report faults. But the role would not include responsibility for opening train doors, which would remain with drivers — meaning some services could still run without a second person handling dispatch duties. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union needs “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.” A Chiltern Railways spokesperson told Rail Business UK the company was “disappointed” and remained committed to working with the union.

A launch already years behind schedule

Chiltern Railways was named operator of East West Rail’s first stage between Oxford and Milton Keynes in March 2025, and the infrastructure has been usable for freight, empty stock and driver training for months — but no passenger service has started, despite an original 2025 target. The dispute predates this rejection: RMT staged a demonstration outside London Marylebone in January over the same DOO concern. The announcement does not specify a revised opening date for passenger services, or whether further talks are scheduled.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…East West Rail Project: First Train Runs After 60-Year Break