Ministers warned of East West Rail delays before 2027

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 13:02 · Archive

Government ministers were warned that delays in negotiating East West Rail operations could push services back until 2027 or later.

Government ministers were warned that delays to discussions about East West Rail operations could mean services would not start before 2027. A Department for Transport policy note dated 31 July and marked 'for consideration by the Minister' revealed the risk. The note stated: 'This may lead to a significant delay to EWR service commencement (potentially into 2027) despite the infrastructure being available for passenger service from spring 2025.'

The warning also noted that Chiltern Railways and Arriva 'may not engage constructively with mobilisation activities if acceptable terms are no longer available, risking entry into services in 2025'. The note added that if terms could not be agreed, it might be necessary to wait until Chiltern was brought into public ownership before starting services.

Documents released following a Freedom of Information request show that discussions between Department for Transport officials and ministers about appointing Chiltern Railways as the operator date back to January 2022. Chiltern was endorsed as the preferred operator in May 2022, but negotiations did not begin until later that year. The company's National Rail Contract needed to be amended to include East West Rail services, a process expected to be completed by December 2023 with passenger services to follow 12 months later.

How it is being reported

• Government ministers warned years ago about £7bn East West Rail delaysMinisters were warned that delays to train operator talks could push back East West Rail services.Oxford Mail · 13 Nov, 12:30
• Government ministers warned years ago about £7bn East West Rail delaysMinisters were warned that delays to train operator talks could push back East West Rail services.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Nov, 12:30

In this story: East West Rail · Chiltern Railways · Arriva · Department for Transport · Oxfordshire

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