Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 27 April 2026 to UIN 127833, what progress she has made on train modification, train testing and driver training to achieve the December timetable for passenger services between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

Chiltern is continuing to work closely with its partners and the Department to conclude the remaining train, infrastructure and staff arrangements and a start date for the first East West Rail services. This includes the recruitment and training of 44 train drivers. Passenger services will commence once train testing, driver training and all necessary authorisations and agreements are in place and a start date will be announced as soon as it is possible to do so.