THE station was uncharacteristically quiet today as train numbers were slashed during the first day of a huge rail strike.

RMT union members walked out at midnight last night to strike over pay, working conditions, and job cuts.

It is the largest rail strike in 30 years, with only a fifth of services across the country operating today.

Taxi drivers at Brighton railway station told The Argus they have seen a drop in trade this morning.

One said he had taken just one fare between 9am and midday, when he would usually expect to take five or six.

The Argus: Brighton railway station saw few passengers pass through its doors this morningBrighton railway station saw few passengers pass through its doors this morning

The cabbie, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s been too quiet, I think I’m just going to go home now.”

Shops at the station have also taken a hit.

One coffee vendor - who also did not want to be named - said that he had not seen anywhere near as much trade as expected on a regular Tuesday, as passengers avoid the station.

Trains were seen leaving the station with just “five or six” passengers on board, according to one source.

A picket ran at the rear of the station in New England Road from 7am, but had left by 11am.

The Argus: The picket at the maintenance depot, at the rear of Brighton railway stationThe picket at the maintenance depot, at the rear of Brighton railway station

There is a severely reduced service from Brighton to London today, with just one train an hour running to London Victoria, and one to London Bridge.

RMT union strikes will take place today, Thursday, and Saturday – which is expected to have the most impact.

A late-starting Sunday timetable will run on South Western services on the days when strikes are not taking place.

Southern, which operates many trains from Brighton, voted not to strike.

Gatwick Express will not operate on strike days.

The BBC reports that traffic in London has surged as Tube strikes are held. It said that congestion levels had increased by 21 per cent.

The Argus: Union members are on strike across the country on various days this weekUnion members are on strike across the country on various days this week

It is a similar story across the country, with TomTom reporting levels were up 4 per cent on the same period last week, while Liverpool saw a 7 per cent increase in congestion.