A public meeting held by the pressure group More Train Less Strain, said it had received widespread support for the protest scheduled for 28 January.

FGW said it was happy to receive any constructive criticism and had taken note of what the group had to say.

Stations involved include Bristol, Bath Yatton, Yate, Frome and Oxford.

"We accept the right of those who wish to voice their concerns but on behalf of our passengers and in the interests of safety, we would encourage them not to attempt to disrupt our services," said a spokesman for FGW.

In January 2007 railway users held a protest complaining about late and overcrowded trains in which 2,000 passengers refused to pay fares.

Instead of carrying a valid ticket they were handed fake tickets printed by More Train Less Strain with the words "Worst Great Western" on the top.

Peter Andrews from More Train Less Strain said the strike made an impact but it did not last.

The fine for not carrying a valid railway ticket is �1,000 or three months in prison.