BOTH sides in a rail dispute have hailed their response to a third strike in recent weeks.

The RMT union said a 24 hour walkout at Northern rail had been solidly supported, while bosses claimed they kept services running.

More than 1,120 services were expected to complete their journey during the course of the day, however that was only about 40 per cent of the company’s normal timetable.

Some passengers faced frustrating delays with far fewer trains running on some lines as RMT members withdrew their labour.

The union is opposed to the introduction of driver only trains and claims Northern has reneged over guarantees to keep the safety critical guards’ role.

The industrial action affected passengers travelling to the first day of the Tour de Yorkshire cycling event in North Yorkshire, although there were some extra carriages available.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The public support for our members fighting for safe trains for all has been fantastic.”

Richard Allan, Northern’s deputy managing director, said it wanted to discuss its proposals further with the RMT, adding: “Changes to Northern’s services are always risk assessed, consulted upon, and approved in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation.”