RAIL passengers put up with another day of disruption yesterday as Arriva conductors staged another 24-hour strike.

Many services across the region were cancelled as conductors refused to work for the 13th time, in the long-running dispute.

Arriva bosses said that 55 per cent of its services were still running, covering 75 per cent of their network, despite the action.

But Rail, Maritime and Transport union spokesman Stan Herschel said: "Indications are now clear that this strike is one of the most solid strikes for some time, with probably less than 15 strike-breakers out of 700.

"We are trying to find a solution and talks are due to take place next week, which will be the first time we have got together for quite a while."

The union wants to narrow the pay gap between conductors and drivers, but have rejected Arriva's offer of a four per cent rise.

Managing director Ray Price said yesterday: "We have clearly indicated that we cannot increase it further.

"If there is no resolution we are faced with a continuation of strike action until the current franchise agreement ends in February 2003, which would be intolerable for our customers."