Protesters said they have tried to meet the firm about the problems

Campaign group More Train, Less Strain said thousands of commuters were expected to join Monday's action.

It claimed about 2,000 commuters from Bristol and Bath - angry at delays and overcrowded trains - took part in the first strike a year ago.

This time, the group said protests were also taking place at Yate, Frome, Highbridge, Trowbridge and Warminster.

Campaign organiser Mark Richardson said the train operator's decision last week to increase compensation for delayed passengers "offered very little."

"Commuters want a decent service at a fair price instead of increased compensation for some and a continued poor service for all," he said.

Losing patience

"Frankly, we have lost patience with FGW and would seriously question their ability and commitment to running a train service."

Protesters who hand in fake tickets on Monday, rather than pay for genuine ones, risk prosecution.

The maximum sentence is a fine of �1,000 or three months imprisonment.

First Great Western blamed ageing rolling stock and staff shortages for many of the problems, but said the issues were being addressed.

In a statement, it said: "We are investing �200m to improve trains and stations. We are recruiting more drivers and guards to boost reliability."

Last week, First Great Western passengers travelling between London Paddington and south Wales suffered new disruptions after a landslip near the Chipping Sodbury tunnel.