THE prospect of a crippling rail strike looks set to come closer today, as a pay deal is expected to fall "way short" of what angry train staff are demanding.

The Evening Press can reveal that the offer, expected to be unveiled at a meeting between Arriva Trains Northern bosses and union leaders in York this afternoon, is likely to be rejected by members of The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

The crunch meeting could be one of the last before conductors and guards stage a 48-hour dispute affecting North Yorkshire's TransPennine Express and regional train services on January 24 and 25.

The Evening Press understands that chiefs at Arriva are likely to offer an increase of less than ten per cent, compared with the minimum 18 per cent which conductors and guards are demanding.

They voted for strike action last week because they are furious at pay increases which have been offered to drivers, but not to them.

One Arriva conductor, who does not wish to be named, said: "Conductors are very bitter and strike action is not a problem for any of us.

"We don't exactly know what we will be offered but we expect it to be way short of the 18 per cent which we want.

"Whatever we are to receive has got to be realistic."

Another added: "We are not prepared to give up, but we won't really know where we are going until we hear of an offer from our union."

An RMT spokesman said: "We cannot confirm details of any pay offers. We have been making some progress and there appear to be some positive moves in place.

"It is difficult to say whether there will be a solution at this meeting. We are getting short of time and want to make progress as soon as possible."

An Arriva spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that discussions are continuing."

Meanwhile, the Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan, released yesterday, gave more details of the franchise process for the TransPennine Express service.

The three short-listed firms for the service, Arriva, Connex and a consortium of Keolis SA and First, are to be invited to submit revised proposals in the wake of any issues arising from the recent consultation process.

Bob Davies, chief executive of Arriva plc, said: "We welcome the SRA's ten-year plan which defines the future for the UK rail industry.

"The plan will bring about significant improvements to provide stability and the climate in which the industry can work to deliver the levels of service that customers expect and deserve."

Updated: 11:38 Tuesday, January 15, 2002