Chiltern Railways is confident that it will be able to run a ‘near normal’ service when the RMT stages two strikes this month.

The union has declared an industrial dispute over plans to operate trains on East West Rail with only a driver. It says driver-only operation would represent a ‘significant risk’ to safety as well as the job security of existing train managers.

But the Department for Transport said Chiltern. which returned to public ownership last month, had ‘run most of its network for decades with the driver in full control of the doors’.

The walkouts are set to take place on 10 and 17 October, and only a few services are expected to be affected.

Chiltern said there will be no trains between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa all day, and that four long distance services to or from Stourbridge Junction will be cut back to Banbury or Birmingham Moor Street.

However, trains will call frequently at Wembley Stadium on 10 October, to take passengers to the Girlguiding Big Gig at Wembley Arena.

The restored line between Bicester and Bletchley was approved for public traffic two years ago, but it has yet to see any trains except special workings, charters and freight.

What do you think? Click here to let us know.