Troubled train operator First Great Western left some of its Oxfordshire passengers fuming again - the day after the Government ordered it to improve its service.

Wednesday's Cotswold Line commuter train, the 5.42am from Hereford to Oxford and London, failed to stop at stations in west Oxfordshire - because of a fault.

FGW said that under health and safety rules, when its selective door opening (SDO) system broke down it was not allowed to stop trains at short platform stations - such as those in west Oxfordshire.

Passengers expecting to board at Kingham (7.18am), Charlbury (7.29am) and Hanborough (7.37am) saw the train speed past, resulting in overcrowding on the next service.

The company is one of the country's worst performing rail operators. Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly issued it with a remedial notice last Tuesday after months of complaints from passengers over delays and overcrowding.

SDO was made compulsory on short platforms stations on the Cotswold Line last December, to prevent accidents when all the carriage doors can be opened.

FGW spokesman Lance Cole said: "First Great Western apologises for the service alteration to one service on the Cotswold Line.

"A mechanical issue with the new door opening system prevented the train operating from its designated short platformed stations.

"We apologise for the inconvenience that resulted."

Train operator First Great Western is holding a Meet the Manager event for passengers at Charlbury station on Friday. Senior managers responsible for the Cotswold Line will be on hand to hear the views of commuters between 7am and 9am.