SIGNIFICANT progress may have been made in pay talks between union negotiators and Arriva Trains Northern, the Evening Press has learned.

Sources close to The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have claimed a breakthrough in talks to discuss the ongoing conductors dispute.

The Evening Press understands that the union has put a new offer to Arriva managers and it has not been immediately dismissed.

The deal would see conductors gaining a cost-of-living increase of 3.5 per cent and a £1,000 pay bonus.

This deal, working out at about ten per cent, is significantly less than the 18 per cent union negotiators had been demanding.

Conductors are striking in protest at a pay increase to drivers, which was not offered to them.

Two 48-hour strikes have already been held in protest. A third is planned for March 1 and 2.

Mark Russell, RMT York branch secretary, said: "We have had the most constructive talks so far.

"We have put forward a new option to Arriva management which we hope will be considered with due respect."

An Arriva spokeswoman said: "Employee negotiations are between ourselves and our employees."

Meanwhile, Arriva today announced it is to restore the vast majority of its train services across Yorkshire.

The operator, which introduced a temporary timetable in October 2001 while it worked to address driver shortages, will run 97 per cent of its original timetable services from February 25.

Ray Price, managing director of ATN, said: "With more and more drivers completing their 12-month training programme we have been able to meet our target date and keep our promise to restore the vast majority of services for our customers by the end of February."

However, a number of TransPennine Express services running through York will continue to be suspended until June 2.

Customers wishing to find out more about services should contact Arriva's customer relations on 0870 602 3322.

Updated: 11:40 Thursday, February 14, 2002