Bradford commuters abandoned the trains today as they faced another day of delays and cancellations as conductors and ticket staff went on strike again.

Just a handful of passengers opted to let the train take the strain during rush hour at Bradford Interchange today.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) began a 24-hour strike in a dispute with Arriva Trains Northern over pay and conditions, with 670 conductors expected to refuse to work.

The strike was a double blow for the company as it coincided with a 48-hour strike launched yesterday by 300 ticket and retail staff.

Arriva said it was disappointed the strike action was taking place, but said it would provide 55 per cent of services today.

The conductors' dispute is over a proposed three per cent pay rise, which the union claims is unfair, as drivers were offered a package of 18 per cent and other benefits.

During one of Bradford Interchange's busiest times today, commuters were unable to buy tickets for travel as the booking office was closed and a ticket machine was out of action.

Services were drastically reduced with an hourly train promised between Bradford and Leeds and a two-hourly service to Hebden Bridge.

Simon Westwood, of Clayton, was waiting for the 8am train to Leeds where he works as a gas engineer - but by 8.30am there was still no sign of it. He walked to Forster Square instead but claimed there were no trains there either.

He said: "This is a joke. I cannot see the point of this strike, we have enough problems with trains. People are just leaving the station because the trains are just not coming."

Accountant Martin Tyler, of Denholme, was also going to be late for work. He said: "There is nothing I can do but wait."

But Arriva spokesman Kate Flint said: "According to our control centre, our services are running to the published industrial action timetable."

Further strikes are planned by conductors on April 5 and 6 and May 3 and 4.

Before travelling by train today, check times with the National Rail Enquiries line on 08457 484950.