Rail companies insist there was 'solid support' for strike action
![Leeds train station during yesterday's strike.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/legacy_ash_88652482.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Leeds train station during yesterday's strike.](/img/placeholder.png)
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union at Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Arriva Trains North were said to be "solidly supporting" the 24-hour walkout in separate disputes over staffing and driver-only trains.
Merseyrail was worst hit after drivers refused to cross picket lines, leading to 20% of services running, half as many as planned.
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Hide AdAndy Heath, of Merseyrail, said: "It is unfortunate that many drivers took the decision not to work today.
![Leeds train station during yesterday's strike.](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/legacy_ash_88652482.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
![Leeds train station during yesterday's strike.](/img/placeholder.png)
"This is bad news for the travelling public within the Liverpool city region and the local economy, both of which will suffer as a result of today's strike."
Northern said its plan to run 980 services, or around 40% of its normal timetable, worked well.
Paul Barnfield, regional director at Northern, said a few more morning rush hour trains ran than originally planned, adding that very few would be in service after after 5pm.
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Hide Ad"On behalf of Northern I would like to thank our customers for working with us today and altering their travel plans. I would also like to thank all of our people who have worked so hard to run our trains today."
![Leeds train station during yesterday's strike.](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/legacy_ash_88652482.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
![Leeds train station during yesterday's strike.](/img/placeholder.png)
Northern and Merseyrail are introducing new, driver-operated trains in the coming years to replace ageing rolling stock.
The RMT, which is opposed to driver-only trains, said it had been a "highly successful" day, with support from its members and the public.
"We are pressing hard for talks with all three companies to try to reach a negotiated settlement," said a spokesman.
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Hide AdThe RMT strike on Southern was the 30th since a row over the role of conductors flared almost a year ago.
Southern said it ran almost 90% of its normal service, in line with expectations, adding that more than half of conductors and on-board supervisors reported for work.