RAIL users have been thanked for their patience as a three-day strike by Northern workers, affecting a number of services across the Bradford district, came to an end today.

The operator managed to run an average of around 40 per cent of its services over the weekend, and said more than 1,300 journeys were scheduled in its timetable today.

The dispute with the RMT is linked to proposals for driver-only-operated trains, which the union states would pose safety issues and lead to job losses.

Northern said it was able to operate the majority of its services between 7am and 7pm, although it had warned passengers that many routes would “wind down” from late afternoon onwards.

Despite also providing additional rail replacement bus services, passengers had been told to expect extremely busy trains and asked to allow extra time for journeys and consider whether their travel was necessary.

Sharon Keith, regional director at Northern, said: “The network coped well throughout the morning and early afternoon and we have kept as many people on the move as possible.

“I’d like to thank our customers for their patience. I’d also like to thank our staff who continue to work hard to operate our trains and look after our customers.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said union members were “standing firm in the fight for safe and accessible rail services”.

He said the strike action had been “solidly supported across all routes in the battle for safe railways for all”, adding today: “It’s time for the rail companies and the Government to get out of the bunker and get talks on that address the fundamental issues of safety, accessibility, and the guard guarantee.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK and normally provides 2,500 local and regional train services every day across the North of England, serving a population of nearly 15 million.

James Vasey, chairman of the Bradford Rail Users Group, said he didn’t feel strike action by RMT members was necessary.

“People have coped with it,” he said.

“Because there has been plenty of notice, people who travel regularly have had time to make alternative plans.

“Was the strike necessary? In my opinion, no. The situation is still a discussion at the moment, not a dispute.

“No one’s job is at-risk yet and they haven’t reached the end of negotiations.

“I think the strike was a strategy used very early.”