Taxi drivers say they are the hidden victims of the rail crisis, with passengers - and takings - down as "no one is coming to York by train any more".

Dennis Dixon, of Station taxis, said that drivers are suffering as a result of the Hatfield crash with business noticeably worse as travellers are being driven away from the train.

Dennis, driving in York for seven years, has resorted to abandoning the rank at the station in pursuit of shoppers at other ranks around town.

"We have had an excellent two years at the station," said from his minicab.

"Passengers numbers have been up and we have had plenty of business from that rank - until now.

"There is no-one coming off the trains any more. Business has been noticeably worse in recent weeks."

He added that although he personally wasn't hit too hard, some of the younger drivers with mortgages and young families were feeling the pinch.

"It is a terrible time of year to see a cut in income," he said.

"We are all looking forward to next year's promotions by the rail companies to try and win back passengers.

"It will be nice to see the taxi ranks full again."

Richard Hall, managing director of Station Taxis and Chairman of the York Taxi Proprietors' Association, said: "There has been a drop in custom as passengers are wary of travelling by train.

"But it is just a hiccup and we look forward to business getting busier in the New Year."

A spokesman for train operator GNER, who operate the busy London to Scotland service through York, said: "Passenger numbers have been up 28 per cent in the last four years which has brought more business for the taxi drivers.

"Fewer passenger numbers in recent times will inevitably mean less passengers getting into taxis - but every business has its ups and downs.

"During times of disruption many travellers have had to take taxis to complete their, often long, journeys at GNER's expense."

dan.rutstein@ycp.co.uk