The renationalisation of Chiltern Railways will provide ‘a fresh opportunity to deliver East West Rail and its benefits’, according to the Government. Chiltern is now controlled by DfT Operator, having changed ownership at 02.00 on Sunday, and it has already been nominated as the future operator of East West Rail. However, although the reconstructed section beween Bicester and Bletchley has been able to carry scheduled services for the past two years, a dispute with the RMT has prevented trains running.

The dispute over driver-only operation on East West Rail is being stepped up by the RMT. Its members are being balloted for a strike, and the union is planning to stage a demonstration outside Marylebone station in London on Monday.