THE Government was involved in a row with train drivers last night after staff shortages caused worsening travel chaos for passengers on some of the busiest routes in the country.

Half of services between Brighton and Bedford run by First Capital Connect – some 200 – were scrapped as drivers declined to work voluntary overtime, with similar disruption expected today.

The Government hit out at “irresponsible” action, saying passengers were being “seriously inconvenienced”.

Junior transport minister Chris Mole told the Commons: “Concerted action to stop trains running is irresponsi-ble. Train companies need to ensure their staffing arrange-ments are robust, so they cannot be held to ransom in this way.’’

But Aslef hit back saying: “We are very surprised that the Government does not take into account irresponsible attitudes by management instead of attacking ordinary working people.”

Tory MP Anne Main, whose St Albans constituency lies on the Thameslink route between Bedford and Brighton hit by the cancellations, said an emergency timetable cutting services by 50% yesterday had brought “chaos” and given constituents a “miserable” journey to the capital.

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers also branded the drivers’ action “irresponsible”. The company said it had made a fair pay offer to union representatives of 0% this year and at least 3% in 2010.

Aslef is balloting its 550 members at FCC for industrial action over pay, with voting ending on December 9, threatening action just two weeks before Christmas if there is a yes vote.