Southern rail strike: Commuters facing nightmare journey home at rush hour

First-class was declassified to create extra space, with passengers who had paid premium fares offered refunds.

The RMT claimed public support for the walkout, which follows similar action last month, and accused Southern of putting profits before passenger safety on over-crowded services.

Thameslink and Gatwick Express — both also owned by Govia Thameslink Rail — were “extremely busy” and not all stations were being served.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Our guards members on Southern are solid and determined this morning and the union welcomes the support from the travelling public, as they recognise this dispute is about defending safety-critical jobs and services against the drive for cash-driven cuts.”

MPs have signed a Commons motion calling for guards to be retained on every train and for ticket offices to be kept open — a separate dispute that could see further strike action.

Southern said the strike was “totally unnecessary” and called on the union to return to constructive negotiations. Dyan Crowther, GTR chief operating officer, said: “Despite repeated efforts over six months, the RMT seem unwilling to talk properly about this. Our door remains open to talks but they seem determined to inflict another day of misery on Southern commuters.

“The only thing that changes is the new conductors will no longer close the doors, a task that passes to the driver with the aid of CCTV. This will cost no one their jobs, and frees up staff on trains to better serve passengers.”