Ananova:

Commuters are facing more travel chaos after train services on one busy network were hit again by a shortage of drivers, forcing a series of cancellations.

First Capital Connect (FCC) says it has had to reduce services on its Thameslink Bedford to Brighton line, because drivers are refusing to work overtime as part of a long-running pay dispute.

Yesterday there were chaotic scenes at some rail stations because of the disruption to services.

Now the company has had to issue a new reduced timetable, and it has warned there may yet be further cancellations.

First Capital Connect said in a statement: "We are extremely sorry that a shortage of train drivers has forced us to cancel a large number of services on the Thameslink route.

"To allow us to operate as consistent a timetable as possible over the coming days, we have introduced an amended timetable.

"We will endeavour to adhere to this timetable as much as possible, however it may be necessary to further amend it."

Yesterday, Aslef union bosses announced that First Capital Connect drivers will be balloted on possible strike action on December 9, threatening travel over the Christmas period.

FCC says that it is in ongoing talks with the union aimed at solving the dispute.

The train company has offered its drivers a two-year pay offer, which would see no increase in the first year.

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said: "Passengers will be greatly concerned by Aslef's decision to hold a strike ballot.

"A strike by drivers in the run-up to Christmas would be deeply disruptive and those involved must do all they can to avoid it.

"Passengers are the victims of irresponsible game-playing by the unions, leaving them with unacceptably poor levels of service."

The disruption comes as National Rail announced a £3.25bn scheme to improve hundreds of train stations across the country.

The proposals include new passenger information systems, new toilets and waiting rooms and bigger ticket offices.