TRAIN operator First Great Western has said it is hopeful an agreement will be reached with union RMT to avoid any further strike action following a three-day walk-out over the bank holiday weekend.

FGW has also apologised for issues surrounding the revised timetables not being available to passengers until “very late in the day”, but said it had been able to run a near normal service in the London and Thames Valley area and most trains on long distance routes.

A spokesman for FGW said: “We hope that this helped mitigate the impact of the strike, but we’re sorry if you had to change your plans or your journey took longer than usual. If you decided not to travel you can still claim a refund.

“We’re aware there were significant issues with the revised timetable not appearing in our journey planning tool and National Rail Enquiries until very late in the day. We know this must have been extremely frustrating if you were trying to understand the impact on your weekend plans. Please be assured we are doing all we can to make sure this process works better in future.

“We are continuing to meet with the RMT and remain hopeful we can come to an agreement that will avoid any further strike action.”

The strike was called after members on both sides failed to reach an agreement in a dispute over the introduction of new high-speed Hitachi trains.

The union is concerned at proposals to put the driver in control of the train doors – which they fear will undermine the position of the guard and station despatch staff – as well as the lack of buffet car provision in the new trains.

They are also seeking assurances over the future work of fleet staff once the new trains come into operation.

But general secretary of the RMT Mick Cash said discussions were still no closer to agreements over the threat to member’s jobs, services and safety.

He said: “Despite all the pressures being put on the company not just by the RMT but also the travelling public, FGW are still refusing to run a full buffet service as is currently in place.

"I have written to the Department for Transport seeking an urgent meeting to discuss buffet car facilities on SET and it is our firm view that these should remain. I would also add that I have raised this very important issue with our Parliamentary Group.”

He added: “The union is still in dispute over the company’s insistence that the driver has complete control of the doors. This undermines the important role of the Guard and also undermines station staff who despatch trains."