Its members went on strike at midnight in their long-running dispute over proposed changes to the role of conductors. Southern had been intending to run about 61% of its normal timetable, before the additional problems caused by engineering work. Network Rail apologised for a breakdown that meant the railway between Gatwick and Brighton only reopened to trains at 7.20am. He said: “I’m incredibly sorry for passengers who have suffered months of misery as a result of the ongoing industrial action. But more rail franchises are expected to mandate fewer staff on trains to reduce costs.

Source: The Guardian October 11, 2016 06:32 UTC