Train services have been crippled again as thousands of rail workers stage another 24-hour strike in a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions – and the disruption is to continue tomorrow.

This is the third time in a week members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have walked out and talks to resolve the row have not been successful.

Only 40 out of 180 stations across the Southeastern network are open and those that are, will only run extremely limited services.

Ashford International, Ebbsfleet International and Dartford are the only stations with services still running in Kent.

The advice for passengers is to only travel if necessary and to expect disruption as no rail replacement buses are running.

While the strike will end at midnight, disruption will continue into tomorrow as services catch up with timetables.

Steve Montgomery, who chairs the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said: “We are very disappointed that the RMT union leadership has chosen to take action which will severely inconvenience the millions of people who had plans over the weekend.

“While we are doing our best to minimise disruption to passengers, our advice is to only travel if it is necessary, and if you are going to travel, please plan ahead.”

Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: “Unfortunately, the RMT’s decision to carry out another day of needless and premature strike action means our passengers will suffer again on Saturday.

“A fraction of trains will run compared to a usual Saturday service, with trains starting later in the morning and finishing much earlier in the evening.

“I am really sorry to our passengers for the inevitable disruption to their journeys and their weekend.

“We remain at the table and ready for talks, day or night, and will do everything we can to avoid further disruption for our passengers.”

The first commuter train from Ashford was very quiet on the first day of action on Tuesday.

This week’s strikes are estimated to have cost the rail industry up to £150 million in lost revenue and the consequences of aborting planned upgrade work.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said its members are “standing up for all working people trying to get a pay rise and some job security”.

He continued: “In a modern economy, workers need to be properly rewarded for their work, enjoy good conditions and have the peace of mind that their job will not be taken away from them.

“(Transport Secretary) Grant Shapps needs to get in the room or get out of the way so we can negotiate with these companies who we have successfully struck dozens of deals with previously.

“What we cannot accept is thousands of railway workers being thrown on the scrapheap after being praised as heroes during Covid."

Today's industrial action marks the last day of planned strikes following two earlier this week on Tuesday and Thursday.

However the RMT has warned strikes could continue this summer unless a settlement is reached.

On the second day, the Isle of Sheppey was cut off and workers formed picket lines in Maidstone and Dover.