RAIL services across the county have been crippled by the latest in a series of mass walkouts by staff.
Members from four trade unions, including the RMT, have gone on strike, causing the worst rail disruption of the year so far.
Southern and Thameslink services are facing significant disruption, with no services operating to and from Littlehampton, Bognor, Seaford, Eastbourne and Hastings.
The misery for commuters has been made worse by engineering works also taking place today between Brighton and Three Bridges, with a rail replacement bus service in place.
The latest strike day follows several walkouts by rail workers in recent months in an ongoing dispute over pay, with unions calling for a real-terms increase in wages amid rising inflation.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has written to transport secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan urging her to take “urgent steps to allow a negotiated settlement” after the union said latest figures showed railway bosses benefiting from government tax cuts.
The union claimed that bosses of rail firms stand to gain up to £61,000 a year from tax cuts announced by the Chancellor last week, more than most RMT members will earn in a year.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Lynch said: “While our members are suffering pay squeezes, the bosses in this industry are absolutely raking it in.
“That is an outrage and I’m sure the people of Britain will be outraged by that.”
Disruption is also expected to impact services tomorrow, affecting those heading to London for tomorrow’s London Marathon, with a further day of strike action planned for October 8.
Angie Doll, chief operating officer for Govia Thameslink Railway - which operates Southern and Thameslink services, said: “It is with much regret that we have to advise our passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary on Saturdays 1 and 8 October.
“Strike action means train services across the country will be significantly limited, with many routes not running at all.
“We urge the unions to work with the industry and come to a resolution.”
How your journey is affected by today’s disruption
London Victoria to Brighton
Trains will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport only due to engineering works
London Bridge and Brighton
Trains will run between London Bridge and Gatwick Airport/Three Bridges due to engineering works - buses will run between Three Bridges and Brighton
London Bridge and Gatwick Airport
Two trains will run per hour
London Bridge and Three Bridges
Two trains will run per hour
Brighton and Hove
Two trains will run per hour
Gatwick Express
Services will not run
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