Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2026 to Question 19073 on East West Rail Line: Rolling Stock, (a) which modifications to the trains remain outstanding, (b) when she expects those modifications to be completed, (c) when she expects the full testing regime to be completed and (d) what outstanding steps will be required following completion of testing before passenger services can commence.

Physical modifications to the trains intended for the Oxford-Milton Keynes service have been completed. Trains remain subject to software being finished and tested. Passenger services will commence once staffing arrangements have been finalised and the necessary staff are in place, the trains have completed the required software updates and testing, and all remaining infrastructure requirements, including Winslow station handover, have been completed.