Train strike 'non-event'

South Central, which runs services across Sussex, yesterday warned passengers to expect delays but said it would try to run as many peak-time services as possible.

Today, however, the company's managing director, Charles Horton, said: "We are delighted to have been able to offer our customers a better service than expected.

"We were able to run between 70 and 75 per cent of trains during the morning peak and we expect it to be similar during the busy period this evening."

However, the RMT union said the strike had been a success. The dispute is over the train guards' safety role and today's walk-out went ahead after last minute peace talks broke down.

Another is planned for Monday and a third for April 17.

A spokesman for the RMT said today: "As far as we know people are responding to the strike call and services are severely affected.

"We've heard stories of trains using managers as guards hastily trained up during a 16-hour shift. We don't think this is a good idea in terms of safety.

"As far as we're concerned if a train does not have a proper guard it should not be running."

PC Bob Drake of Brighton British Transport Police said: "I think a lot of people stayed at home today because of the strikes because it was very quiet today on Brighton station at 7am.

"A colleague came in for eight and she said the car park was not full which is unheard of at that time."

A South Central spokesman said the company was able to run more services than expected, including to Seaford, Bognor, Portsmouth and East Grinstead.

He said: "It was a bit of a non-event really," he said. "We're pleased because we prepared for the worst."

Passengers are advised to check services by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or South Central on 0870 830600, or to check updates on the South Central web site www.southcentraltrains.co.uk Thameslink services are not affected by the dispute because trains do not have guards.