5 August 2026
RMT Press Office:
RMT has rejected plans to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the new East West Rail line following confirmation that Chiltern Railways intends to operate services on the new route without a second safety-critical member of staff, despite RMT’s long-standing opposition to DOO.
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 that a guaranteed safety-critical second person onboard trains was essential for carrying out a wide range of duties and responding properly to dangerous and fast-moving situations.
“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 and will use all of the political and industrial strength available to defend safety on the railway,” he said.
Unity House
Tel: 020 7387 4771
Email: