NEARLY all Great Western Railway (GWR) workers believe that removing train catering services has worsened the customer experience.

Statistics released by transport union RMT show that workers overwhelmingly oppose GWR’s decision to remove the buffet car from its new Intercity Express trains.

The union claims that this move will hugely inconvenience passengers on the trains, who will not be able to access food on long-distance routes.

A massive 95 per cent of workers think that services have been negatively affected by the buffet’s removal, and the same number believe that the service should be revived.

The statistics also showed that 77 per cent of workers believe that it has had an impact on safety, and 62 per cent claimed that it has negatively affected the safety of both staff and passengers.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is about time GWR started listening to the staff working at the sharp end of their services and supported the return of the buffet car on their trains.

“The axing of the buffet car on GWR was a cash-led move that was all about maximising profits at the expense of the traveller. 

“For too long catering services on the railway have been seen as a soft touch for cuts.

“RMT catering members are an integral part of the rail team and they deserve respect and support.”

The statistics were released as the RMT staged protests in Swansea, Plymouth and London over the closures.

More than 1,500 people have already signed an online petition calling for the buffet to be reinstated.