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Southern 'providing more trains' for latest RMT strike Southern 'providing more trains' for latest RMT strike
(about 9 hours later)
Southern rail passengers facing disruption from the latest RMT strike have been told 62% of the normal timetable will be operating.Southern rail passengers facing disruption from the latest RMT strike have been told 62% of the normal timetable will be operating.
Union members walked out for 48 hours at midnight in the long-running dispute over the role of conductors on trains.Union members walked out for 48 hours at midnight in the long-running dispute over the role of conductors on trains.
Southern said it was doing "everything it could to provide as many services for passengers as possible".Southern said it was doing "everything it could to provide as many services for passengers as possible".
One commuter tweeted his train was "rammed", while another described the service as "shambolic".
The RMT said the number of services Southern hoped to run was "perhaps a bit ambitious".The RMT said the number of services Southern hoped to run was "perhaps a bit ambitious".
It also said it had been left with no other choice but to strike, with safety at the heart of the issue.It also said it had been left with no other choice but to strike, with safety at the heart of the issue.
Live updates on the strike and other storiesLive updates on the strike and other stories
Paul Cox, the union's regional organiser, said he thought the figure of 62% was unlikely, "but not beyond the realms of possibility".Paul Cox, the union's regional organiser, said he thought the figure of 62% was unlikely, "but not beyond the realms of possibility".
Passenger Rob Delicata tweeted: "It's absolutely rammed on the 07:08 Three Bridges to Victoria service."
Another commuter, Iain Small, posted on Twitter: "OK definitely not! It's shambolic but no more than usual on @SouthernRailUK."
The RMT is planning further stoppages next month, including just before Christmas and over the new year.The RMT is planning further stoppages next month, including just before Christmas and over the new year.
Govia Thameslink (GTR), Southern's parent company, said on strike days it used "contingency conductors".Govia Thameslink (GTR), Southern's parent company, said on strike days it used "contingency conductors".
'Pointless strike''Pointless strike'
"These are members of our management team who have been specially trained for the role," a spokeswoman said."These are members of our management team who have been specially trained for the role," a spokeswoman said.
Southern's passenger services director Angie Doll said as many services as possible would be provided.Southern's passenger services director Angie Doll said as many services as possible would be provided.
"Over 99% of affected conductors have now signed up to the new role, which makes this strike even more pointless," she said."Over 99% of affected conductors have now signed up to the new role, which makes this strike even more pointless," she said.
There will be an additional train service between Tonbridge, in Kent, and Redhill, in Surrey, in addition to the Victoria/Haywards Heath shuttles introduced during the last strike.There will be an additional train service between Tonbridge, in Kent, and Redhill, in Surrey, in addition to the Victoria/Haywards Heath shuttles introduced during the last strike.
Trains between London Victoria and Chichester, in West Sussex, will also run later.Trains between London Victoria and Chichester, in West Sussex, will also run later.
On some routes there will be no train services, with some stations closed. On certain routes there will be no train services, with some stations closed.
Some passengers have reacted with dismay at the prospect of another strike. 'Where's the accountability?'
Neil Bennett tweeted: "as a Worthing to London commuter it means no trains again !!!!", while Every Body Therapy, in Brighton, said: "Arrrrrgggghhh! So bored of this! #southernrail please can you staff your service safely and end these strikes! #southernFail." The chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion has urged the government and MPs to "step in and resolve the rail dispute".
Raving Lord Peters questioned the standard of Southern trains: "I won't notice any difference as regular service is so poor & a total lottery if trains even turn up!" Paul Barber's comments came after crowds of thousands of fans were left stranded after a game between the Seagulls and Aston Villa when Southern cancelled a number of services from Falmer station on Friday.
"There's no accountability, there's no responsibility and there doesn't seem to be any pride in providing a service to the public.
"Where are the politicians and the government now? Where's the accountability to bring this organisation to account for the poor service to thousands of people in this city, week in week out?" Mr Barber asked.
"It's not just about 30,000 people coming to a football match, this dispute is having a devastating effect on people's lives."
Further RMT strike dates:Further RMT strike dates: