First Great Western is set to trial a replacement of buffet cars with at-seat catering facilities on some high-speed trains in January. If the pilot proves a success, buffet cars may be removed on journeys of less than 200 miles, including the Exeter St David's to London service.

But FGW said buffet cars would be retained on Plymouth and Penzance to London services which call at Exeter.

Passengers at St David's yesterday were unhappy with the proposals.

Amanda Ryder, 33, from Whipton in Exeter, said: "It would be disastrous as the buffet car is very well used and a must for most people travelling to London."

Retired teacher John Marshall, from Old Tiverton Road, Stoke Hill, said: "It's a fair way to travel without refreshment and passengers should be fed and watered whatever happens, as they are treating us like cattle if not."

His wife Barbara said: "A buffet car can be essential."

Lisa Eaton, 41, said: "It seems to be a drip, drip of bad news for rail passengers."

Bob Crow, general secretary of transport union the RMT, said: "The franchise deal allows First to axe buffet cars from high-speed services under 200 miles. That would leave all services to Cardiff, Exeter and Bristol without proper catering facilities, so we need the biggest possible protests now."

It comes as MPs back an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to intervene to protect passengers travelling with FGW.

The motion, tabled by Stroud Labour MP David Drew, expresses alarm that FGW has replaced existing trains "with inferior rolling stock which could result in slower, less comfortable and more crowded conditions for passengers".

A spokesman for Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said that as a minister he was unable to sign Early Day Motions.

An FGW spokesman said it made its intentions clear to remove some buffet car services in April 2006 when it won the franchise. But he said no firm decision would be made on the future of the facility until January.

He said the at-seat service wouldn't provide hot meals but would offer drinks and snacks.