NO TO EAST WEST DRIVER-ONLY OPERATION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september/october 2026 :: RMTnews 5 RMT has rejected plans to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the new East West Rail line after Chiltern Railways vowed to operate services on the new route without a second safety- critical member of staff. 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 were 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. “If Chiltern management continue to be unreasonable, we cannot rule out Industrial action to defend this safety- critical role.” NO TO EAST WEST DRIVER-ONLY OPERATION NO TO DOO E A S T W E S T R A I L Union calls for safety-critical staff on Chiltern trains