Updated: c2c 's timetable changes (From Echo)

Lisa, says...
4:53pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Exactly how does one starter train at 7.01am at Laindon help provide more setas? Bearing in mind the majority of peoples working hours are 9am-5pm would the sensible idea be to have a starter train at Laindon at 8.01?

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Katy, says...
4:56pm Fri 15 Dec 06

How does this relieve the presure for anyone travelling between peak times of 8 - 9am would it not make sense to have 2 starter trains leaving from laindon that get into fenchurch street before 9 ??

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anon, says...
4:58pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Is it me, or have C2C just spent more of our money wasting time making changes that are a mile off what some would call a token gesture. How does any of this make up for removing the starter trains from Laindon? There still aren't enough carriages, people will still be gasping for air everytime the train pulls in to a station. It's not good enough.

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Anon, says...
5:03pm Fri 15 Dec 06

c2c are now taking the P***

The time has come for us to take direct action to get this shower removed

I would suggest a potest next Monday at Fenchurch St

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Jamie Short, says...
5:11pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Response to 'Anon' at 4.58. No it's not just you im afraid, C2C have done exactly that and wasted more time and money coming up with another hair brained scheme that WILL NOT WORK! They have done nothing to change the fact that journey times are now a lot longer, we are forced to get earlier trains to arrive at our destinations later. C2C have also done nothing about the issue people have compained about for getting home, it seems C2C have made another almightly mess-up and do as they please because they have a monopoly on the travel from our area.

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Donna, says...
5:14pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Well I can not see how any of the changes are going to ease my journey from Laindon - and one starter train from Laindon??? whats that all about - BRING BACK THE OLD TIMETABLE - Make it our Christmas pressie that we get a seat at least!!!

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S, says...
5:14pm Fri 15 Dec 06

We need action and fast, let's all agree to protest at Fen St on Monday.

If not then deliberately hold the train up or pull the cord.

IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK, LISTEN PLEASE.

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ben, says...
5:16pm Fri 15 Dec 06

C2C, What will it take for you to understand.

GIVE US THE OLD TIMETABLE BACK.

You are acting like the council, spending money for the fun of it, so you can have the same finances next year. (Do you notice all the mini roundabout that appear every March).

Simple answer, Put it back.

Why did you wish to change this anyway? I can not remember the orginal reason anymore? Can c2c remember? If so lets get a online debate between c2c managers and customers, so we can at least agree to dis-agree with what is happening

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Another Anon, says...
5:17pm Fri 15 Dec 06

I agree with all previous comments, revisions have done nothing to improve situation. Why on earth do we have 2 trains to Pitsea (Not via the loop)departing within 3 minutes just prior to 5pm when most workers haven't finished work?! Then a 20 min wait for hoards of passengers to battle their way on. If it ain't broke - don't fix it! C2C - please revert to original timetable!

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Ben, says...
5:20pm Fri 15 Dec 06

I agree with "S" posted at 17:14

C2C

I do feel some tempers about to fray and you will only have yourself to blame. You have had enough warning, what more do you want? Blood? Because I don't think it will be long.

Stop this stupidity now.

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Zoe, says...
5:22pm Fri 15 Dec 06

It's insulting to think they havent listened to one word everyone has said. For people that get on trains between 8-9, now thanks to C2C we have a future of longer travelling hours and shorter more crowded trains. Happy New Year!

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eely2005, says...
5:25pm Fri 15 Dec 06

I agree we need to do something Matt but boycotting them when they already have our money isn't really going to hurt them. Would stand up and be counted at Fenchurch Street no problem though.

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Cheryl, says...
5:26pm Fri 15 Dec 06

I'll be there! Monday 6pm

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED PEOPLE!!

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Anon, says...
5:26pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Matt, hates C2C with a passion. wrote:
MONDAY ACTION The only way C2C management will listen is as a result of direct customer (remember, we're their paying customers) action. I suggest Monday as a designated day to either; Boycott C2C entirely, or stand up and be counted at Fenchurch Street. Pull alarms, hold doors open, crowd the platforms, confuse the staff. Anybody else up for it?

count me in

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Gary, says...
5:30pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Mon 6oclock we'll be there

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Charlotte, says...
5:32pm Fri 15 Dec 06

This new timetable effective Monday 18th is some kind of joke. How many times do we have to tell them???

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paul, says...
5:34pm Fri 15 Dec 06

quite interesting; they havent even managed to get the leaflets out on time!
says it all. just a pointless pr stunt these amendments. no changes that will make 1 iota of diffrence. still only 1 train arriving into london between 9 and 9.30 that stops everywhere. its absurd.

quote

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Melanie, says...
5:46pm Fri 15 Dec 06

After travelling all this week on this so called 'Improved Timetable' I have been late every morning.!! Why can we not have back the Old Timetable. This situation is totally diabolicle & I cannot understand who this is supposed to serve.. Perhaps the Managers who decided on this idiotic Timetable change should try travelling every day back & forth to work with us.!!! I also expect that we will have to endure a fare Increase in January as well. This is total RUBBISH.!!

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Kingne, says...
5:49pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Having worked on railway timetables for years on a different railway, yes this will ease congestion but will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for overcrowding on the trains, in fact it may even be worse !

Stand up and be counted c2c, if it ain't broke DON'T FIX IT !!

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Terry, says...
6:32pm Fri 15 Dec 06

C2C are just taking the mickey now. Put the old timetable back, or at least completely redo this one. It's not funny and it's not clever.

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Julie, says...
6:52pm Fri 15 Dec 06

What is the point of a 7.01 starter train??? C2C do you actually listening to your customers? Have you not read any of the feed back? And when are we going to get compensation for this mayhem?

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Geoff Murphy, says...
7:07pm Fri 15 Dec 06

I'm in for the direct action too, and from talking to some of the drivers they'll not be upset about getting the old timetable back.

Don't forget the petition is still there at http://www.petitiononline.com/c2c/petition. It's only got 3,500 signatures so far - get it to 10,000 and it might just have some effect.

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James, says...
7:18pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Trains more crowded in the morning and arriving later than they did before.
More crowded in the evening at Fen St. Short trains now and less!!!
Add a signal failure here and there and a unit failure as well, now they go from the top performing company in the country to the bottom in one week flat.
No wonder National Express is going to the wall, they used to be the biggest now they have us Liverpool St and Gatwick Express.
Revert the timetable invest in more Electrostar stock.
Lets start a station petition at FEN. Most people go through the station boards out all week national press will love them to bits!

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T, says...
7:23pm Fri 15 Dec 06

What about the 'scheduled' empty trains they are running in the rush hours, which are adding to the congestion problem (and wasting money)? Omce again the 18.00 from Southend was delayed to let an empty train through first, and I've seen the same thing several times in the morning this week.

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Tom Quested, says...
7:28pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Why can't the management of this rail company, swallow their pride, admit they are wrong and go back to the old time table, which in my opinion worked adequately.

I think a little compensation wouldn't go amiss either.

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Danielle, says...
7:43pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Good luck to you all. it's pretty insulting for them to make a timetable out of nothing which quite obviously caters to nobodies needs except their own (somehow).

Another tick in the box that puts me off ever wanting to work in London.

Power to the people - get it changed!

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Jazzy Jeff, says...
7:45pm Fri 15 Dec 06

This 'new timetable' is complete cr*p. They are not exactly big changed which are needed. Theit must be a underlying reason behind them not changing back to the timetable that has worked so well for so long. If they truely do respect every customer they you should read this thread and actually listen to the paying customer rather then sitting in a room by themself thinking up new ideas to make bigger profits. Absolutely ridiculous changed to ridiculous timetable. Bring back to old timetable, I could do nothing but commend C2C for their original timetable but now they are a pack of lies. It's commuter travel C2C not politics!

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James Bowker, says...
8:41pm Fri 15 Dec 06

6pm - I'll be there.

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john the baptist, says...
8:44pm Fri 15 Dec 06

with reference to the good book go forth and multiply. i agree with reginald perrin wake up. oh and borat if i see you touch my girl it will cost you a fiver.

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Stuart Reynolds, says...
8:49pm Fri 15 Dec 06

Big Woo!

One of these days I'll post my comment first, because it's getting boring saying that I agree with all of the above. Which I do.

Old timetable, please.

(PS - when I signed the petition at midnight last night it was only at 2880 signatures, so 700 in one day isn't bad. Keep on signing)

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paul, says...
9:00pm Fri 15 Dec 06

so is there goin 2 b a protest on monday at 6 for sure?...we need to make sure as many people know as possible??
meantime, jus to say; c2c seems to employ gd spin doctors...big pr about listenin to the people and then lots of backtracking and a minor alteration or 2. they couldnt even get the leaflets n posters out they promised the echo wud b there. as at 7.45pm tonite there was still nothing visible at the station. all pr no substance

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Donna, says...
12:11am Sat 16 Dec 06

So why no metion on the C2C site? if it was not for the Echo how would we know? so 6pm on Monday? What we gonna do?

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Donna, says...
12:11am Sat 16 Dec 06

So why no metion on the C2C site? if it was not for the Echo how would we know? so 6pm on Monday? What we gonna do?

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Terrence, says...
9:24am Sat 16 Dec 06

S wrote:
We need action and fast, let's all agree to protest at Fen St on Monday. If not then deliberately hold the train up or pull the cord. IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK, LISTEN PLEASE.

A protest will work, because if a group of you protested say monday morning at fenchurch st (about 15-20people) it would cause havoc to c2c. What with network rail managers on site there it will cause the company more harm than good.

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Terrence, says...
9:29am Sat 16 Dec 06

Matt, hates C2C with a passion. wrote:
MONDAY ACTION The only way C2C management will listen is as a result of direct customer (remember, we're their paying customers) action. I suggest Monday as a designated day to either; Boycott C2C entirely, or stand up and be counted at Fenchurch Street. Pull alarms, hold doors open, crowd the platforms, confuse the staff. Anybody else up for it?

Thats intelligent aint it, pulling cords... take it out on the drivers why dont you. You think its our thought now do you. We Hate the new timetable, yes holding doors, protests, crowding platforms, but not Cords. Your just going to cause more anger with the drivers. c2c wont care about cords being pulled cos it comes out of a different budget and doe not hurt them. Holding the doors and protesting will hurt them. So while us drivers back you all the way 125% all i ask is the pulling cords be left out as this will not work. The only way to make it work is protesting at fenchurch st. in the peak.

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Terrence, says...
9:41am Sat 16 Dec 06

What you poeple dont understand is c2c upper management is very bully-boy fied. They are like an older spoilt brother. They will get what they want, when they want it and sod everyone else, they dont care about staff, passengers, all they care about is money and why the money roles in they couldnt give a Sh**.

Next time your standing on your platform waiting for your train look around you. look at the grafitti, the shelters smashed, the trains scratched up with keys from yobs you couldnt care.

These yobs is the reason why your ticket prices will go up by 4-5% next year to substidise the damage they do. So basically your paying more to allow these yobs to continue.

Also c2c Dont care about your feelings, Why? Cos they have the upper hand they have you by the short and curlies cos they operate the whole of south essex, one and c2c are the same, just different names, National Express group operate these franchises. also the coaches too so you dont have alot of choices excpet protesting and hitting c2c where it hurts. That my friends is the only way they will listen?

I feel for you people, you dont understand just what a company like NEG can do. both to its staff and to its customers. They are screwing the staff so much and we get the blame from you the passengers cos we are on the front line. while they sit in the offices getting another award and fat bonus from being masterfull....

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Anon, says...
2:52pm Sat 16 Dec 06

I agree, pulling the comms cord/passenger alarm is a non starter.

We should congregate on the main concourse and leave to board the trian at the last minute. I'm sure some helpful people will hold the doors open till everyone is onboard.

If c2c won't listen to reasoned argument, and we can't effect them financially as we are a captive audience who have already paid our season ticket. Lets ensure the only other thing they care about, their precious punctuality rating is shot to **i*

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Ben, says...
2:52pm Sat 16 Dec 06

Look on the bright side. Only another 14 years and I can f@kcing retire.

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Tim Bartlett, says...
8:34pm Sat 16 Dec 06

I emailed c2c every day last week & received 2 similar replys full of platitudes & PR excuses ( which I posted on the Echo website). They did not address a single issue raised or answer any of my questions. I copied in the emails to the Echo & my local MP, Angela Smith, with the latter not even acknowledging my emails.
c2c have totally ignored their fare paying customers - US !! ( as they ignored the petition over the abolition of the Laindon starter trains )
The new timetable DOES NOT WORK !! & tinkering around the edges as they have goes to prove the contempt in which they hold us.
I agree with a protest at Fenchurch Street but would also urge fellow commuters to bombard c2c, their MP's & the press with emails of complaint until they take the action that we, their 'fare paying customers' want & pay for, namely, THE OLD TIMETABLE REINSTATED
This should also be escalated to a national level, including programmes such as Watchdog.
If c2c think we are going to let them ride roughshod over us they are sadly mistaken, as I, for one, will fight them all the way!

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A Driver, says...
8:37pm Sat 16 Dec 06

Sounds like the staff are happy on C2C too? 8-)

BTW staff man, was it you that posted all the staff based messages? If it was, be careful, with your spelling and grammer one of the evil management should be able to track you down and there is still a rule about talking to the press without permission, (Clause 9 offence matey)

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Andrew, says...
11:13pm Sat 16 Dec 06

The amendments to the new timetable are a joke. They do nothing for anyone travelling between 8.00 and 9.00 am who have longer journeys and packed trains. There is a simple solution, reinstate the old timetable as everyone has said and lease more rolling stock and recruit more staff so the trains can be lengthened. How can they justify an above inflation fare rise next year for an inferior service?

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Yvonne, says...
8:26pm Sun 17 Dec 06

I will be there at 6 on Monday evening. I have a 15 minute bloody wait so we might for a train to Laindon so we might as well do something to pass the time.

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JE, says...
10:02pm Sun 17 Dec 06

This is rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. The bottom line is still higher fares for fewer seats and longer journey times - all so that these tosspots can pack on a few more people at Upminster and Barking.

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Glenn, says...
10:11pm Sun 17 Dec 06

Looks like this new timetable has screwed everyone up.

I know someone who gets on at Chafford Hundred (near grays) and he would change at West ham for Jubilee (Canary warf) and now his train comes earlier so the bus doesent get to the station in time and the train now doesent stop anymore at West Ham meaning he has to change at Barking which means an extra change, so its totally screwed up his journey and i guess the same for anyone else wanting to get to West ham or Jubilee line its the same, i dont get the C2C but wanted to add this comment to the list of discontent, hope u guys protest enough as its disgusting that they screw up everyones journeys without consulting anyone.

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Graham, says...
11:15pm Sun 17 Dec 06

The ONLY way to solve this situation is to reinstate the old timetable & for c2c to apologise to customers ASAP !!!

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a c2c driver, says...
1:02am Mon 18 Dec 06

Us drivers are not happy about this new schedule, it is turning out a complete joke, I think if you guys (passengers) were to make a stand today (monday), it may alert some london press coverage. As for us, they listen to us about as much as a MP, they are about as much use as them too...

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mark williams, says...
9:10am Mon 18 Dec 06

c2c clearly has not listened to the passengers regarding the changes,and have now implemented a "improved" time table , however they have still not got the point, we the fair paying customers want our journey times reduced not extended ,please continue the campaign at http://www.petitiononline.com/c2c/petition.html

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S, says...
9:17am Mon 18 Dec 06

My journey took 45 mins even with the revised new timetable this morning. Absolute joke, they just don't get it.

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Soodge, says...
9:17am Mon 18 Dec 06

Well- I have to say the changes are non existent for people travelling from Southend. The trains were all delayed this morning and the 7.26 from Westcliff was rammed by the time we got to Benfleet. People getting on at any stations after this didn't have a chance! C2C are going from bad to worse - sort it out!!

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Christine McCoy, says...
9:17am Mon 18 Dec 06

The C2C timetable is proving challenging once again. Everyday since the start of the new timetable the journey has been awful both ways. This mornings journey was no exception traveling from Pitsea to Fenchurch Street on the 07.45 a.m. was horrendous, 12 minutes late arriving at our destination, overcrowded and I and many others had to stand all the way. The passengers at Laindon had little and no chance of even getting on the train nor did they at Upminster and Barking.

Okay you have had your fun changing the timetable now show some Christmas spirit and change it back to something that works.

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JE, says...
9:31am Mon 18 Dec 06

Another morning of chaos. But from C2C's point of view, the new timetable is working fine. Train are arriving at Fenchuch Street full to the lids. Packed trains = More profit. The message to longer-distance commuters is clear: "We've got your money, so you don't matter any more". Anyone who has a problem with that attitude should show up at 6pm tonight. And don't ever vote Tory again!!

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A, says...
9:31am Mon 18 Dec 06

An apology would be nice along with the re-introduction of the old timetable that has worked perfectly well over the last 10 years or so. This isn't working so why don't they just hold their hands up and apologise.

Yet again I was late and had another journey from ****.

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Ben, says...
9:35am Mon 18 Dec 06

So Mr Hopwood. 25 minutes late this morning. When you said 110% effort last monday night I thought you meant for improvements not that you'd make things 110% WORSE this week.

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Charlotte, says...
9:38am Mon 18 Dec 06

We must continue to keep up the petition and bombard people about this:

Email your MP (find them here) http://www.parliament.
uk/people/index.cfm

Contact Passnger Focus: info@passengerfocus.org.uk

The MD of C2C Mark Hopwood: Mark.hopwood@c2crail.co.uk

Watchdog: http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/contact_transport.shtml

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bernadette farrell, says...
9:39am Mon 18 Dec 06

The new timetable is a disgrace and disadvantages all those living in and past Benfleet, the old timetable was excellent and worked perfectly, they say the new timetable was introduced to respond to customers comments well I am not sure which customers they asked ! they need to listen to customers comments now and reinstate the old timetable. First day of the changes today I had to stand on a train for 1 hour and 15 mins from westcliff oh and if that is not bad enough there was no heating on the train - why exactly do I pay £2500.00 a year ? I think the echo should start a campaign to bring back the old timetable.

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Phil, says...
9:41am Mon 18 Dec 06

Just the 20 minutes late this morning;never mind the overcrowding. These idiots could not run a whelk stall

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JE, says...
9:47am Mon 18 Dec 06

National Express, which owns C2C, put out a trading statement to the stock exchange this morning. It says it is 'trading ahead of expectations'. This is what this is all about. It's about rewarding shareholders at the expense of passengers. That's acceptable in a business where shareholders take on risk in return for reward. But C2C is a regulated monopoly with precious little risk to the investor. It's just a straightforward cash grab from the little guy to reward the rich guy.

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Mike J, says...
9:49am Mon 18 Dec 06

I arrived at Laindon Station this morning to board the 7:28 train and found a scene of absolute chaos. There were hundres of people standing in the cold. Then the 7:28 , 7:46 and 7:52 all arrived about 20 mins late totally full to capacity. To make things worse the 7:52 arrived with the front carriages with the doors out of order so passengers were running up the platform trying to find a way on. This train was full standing room only. All this actually happened right on front of Mark Hopwood the C2C MD. There was also representatives from passrenger groups filming and documenting the fiasco. I eventually boarded a train about 8:05 which was 20 mins late and it didnt even stop at Limehouse without any notificiation. I had to leave the train at fenchurch st and come back. For me this is the final straw... Mr Hopwood you saw exactly how people felt this morning with your own eyes. Sort this mess out now by reinstating the old timetable.

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Mark, says...
9:56am Mon 18 Dec 06

What a joke! The first day of the 'improved' service and once again my 7:21 train from Westcliff was cancelled (Monday 18th). The next train was running late and stopped at extra stations even though there were no seats left after Leigh. And the worst thing is that there are not even any announcements to explain why and to apologise. And to think I have just renewed my season tickets at a cost of well over £3,000!!

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Kemi Robinson, says...
10:00am Mon 18 Dec 06

I did not see any improvement whatsoever today. I got on the 7.44 and it was five mins late. The train was absolutely packed and once again, no seats.

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luke, says...
10:02am Mon 18 Dec 06

Great service this morning - 7.4g from westcliff delayed by almost 20 minutes because two front carriages doors would not open - packed by leigh and still stopped at every station.

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michelle, says...
10:09am Mon 18 Dec 06

PLEASE BRING BACK THE OLD TIMETABLE IT WAS BY NO MEANS PERFECT BUT MUCH BETTER THAN THIS, Journeys now are hoorible, slower and I haven't arrived to work on time once since this all started, once again the old timetable please.

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Frozen and Thourought Pi55ed off of WH, says...
10:14am Mon 18 Dec 06

Why am I not surprised that the new 07:01 Laindon starter did absolutely nothing to relieve congestion on the 08:10 from West Horndon? Then again , everything was running late enough that it should have done!

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dave, says...
10:17am Mon 18 Dec 06

Got to westcliff this morning to get the (fast) 7.21 which was cancelled, the next train was the 7.26 (slow) which was 5 mins late... and there were no seats left by chalkwell.. Top effort C2C bring back the old timetable it works!!!

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Matt, says...
10:21am Mon 18 Dec 06

Chaos once again ! Are the people that made these revisions thick? NO CHANGES have been made to rush hour trains arriving into Fenchurch for 9:00!!!! Trains leaving earlier to get in later? Is that possible?!? Any what about the changes to evening rush hour trains?

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Dean, says...
10:30am Mon 18 Dec 06

How does this help? C2C is clearly run by complete morons that do not listen! I have commuted on this line over 11 years and never been treated so badly. Its a digusting service at a digusting price.

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SL, says...
10:31am Mon 18 Dec 06

3 mins difference in the evening isn't going to help, there are just simply not enough trains. The platforms for the main line are overcrowded as it is, this is only going to add to more congestion. The platforms for the loop lines are empty, I have photographic evidence.

None of it makes sense and to top it all off our fares are going up in January.

PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.

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ANON, says...
10:34am Mon 18 Dec 06

We still haven't got an answer, WHY?

Money making exercise to boost profits?

c2c certainly don't undertstand the slogan of the customer always comes first.

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Kevin, says...
10:43am Mon 18 Dec 06

The Managing Director of C2C was again at Laindon station this morning, he said that "The new timetable is costing C2C more money to run...". I'm sure everyone affected by the terrible delays feels very sorry for them...NOT!

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Sara, says...
10:48am Mon 18 Dec 06

The 'changes' made to the new timetable have had absolutely no effect - more like a PR stunt, with absolutely no positive results.

The MD of c2c stood on Laindon platform this morning - take a hint and bring back the starter trains at sensible times - not before and after the rush hour!!

Tis the season to be jolly, but unfortunately the trains and platforms are dangerous, overcrowded and tempers are fraying already!

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paul, says...
10:49am Mon 18 Dec 06

Bearing in mind management at c2c havent spoken a word of truth since this fiasco begun, Im sure we believe them!

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Anon, says...
10:50am Mon 18 Dec 06

Mike Lamport, communications manager for c2c, said: "The timetable works, as our punctuality figures show". I want to know where he gets his figures from. I haven't been on a train yet that's been on time since the intoduction of this abortion of a timetable.

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Juliet Brooker, says...
10:53am Mon 18 Dec 06

Well what a surprise, the second Monday morning of the new revised timetable (sorry, the new "tinkered with" revised timetable) and guess what, the trains are running late and overcrowded again! Will the excuse be the cold weather today!! I would like to add my complaint to those thousands that I believe the Echo received last week from disgruntled commuters. I am extremely unhappy that it would now appear that my journey time in the morning and evening has been increased by at least 5 minutes each way and that there are now no "fast" trains serving Basildon commuters. I would like to know just who benefits from this new timetable as from what I can see it is certainly not the majority of passengers travelling to and from Fenchurch Street. I think I speak for many commuters when I say that all we want is to get from A to B in the quickest possible time and preferably with a seat! So please will c2C listen to its passengers and shorten journey times not lengthen them!

Mrs J Brooker
Methersgate, Basildon

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JE, says...
10:58am Mon 18 Dec 06

The URL given for the petition earlier in this thread didn't work for me. The correct URL is:
www.petitionsonline.com/c2c
Make sure you sign it. MPs for the Southend area are David Amess (west) and James Duddridge (east). Both bear some ultimate responsibility since they are members of the party which privatised the railways, thus paving the way for profit to take precedence over public service!

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JE, says...
11:00am Mon 18 Dec 06

Oops. Now I got it wrong! It's
www.petitiononline.com/c2c .
Not 'petitions'. Sorry everyone!

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paul, says...
11:02am Mon 18 Dec 06

yeah; and when Labour took over they changed all the franchises so that the same group has a monopoly; running all trains out of southend...so Angela Smith can take responsibility too!

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Mark Thomson, says...
11:04am Mon 18 Dec 06

I Thought public transport was supposed to be offerring a real alternativte to travelling in to work by car. The changes and problems caused by C2C new timetable will only encourage people to take to the roads again. Please review the started trains from Laindon not only did they accomdate Laindon passengers but they also allowed relief to the rest of the line when it was bad.

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Mark, says...
11:06am Mon 18 Dec 06

So C2C say that puctuality figures show this farce of a timetable is working. Great, so the trains are on time - it's just a shame we can't get on them and that when we do, it takes an age to get home!

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bernadette farrell, says...
11:26am Mon 18 Dec 06

I have already posted one thread on this notice board today complaining about the trains , I can not begin to describe how angry I am with the new timetable. However I also want to point out to people the bigger picture , if the train service continues to be a nightmare then people wont move in to the areas, house prices could be effected as commuters with money wont look to move to an area where they can not get to London easily, aside from that we could lose vital tourist trade in the summer and this will effect everything in southend, not only have C2c completely and utterly disadvantaged all us commuters they are also threatening the economy of our area, seems extreme I know but if the trains carry on being this bad it can only bring the whole area down.

I urge everyone to contact our local MPs and point out that this runs much further than just the trains.

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Peeeed Off, says...
11:34am Mon 18 Dec 06

Did you know that for a train to be classed as late by C rap2C rapper it has to be over 15 mins late. That's why their figures are always so good.

I am sick of paying all this money for this awful service. If the only way to make the management listen is to hit them in the pocket, maybe I will not renew my season ticket this year and instead look into ways of scamming C2C out of as much money as possible by buying monthly tickets from the station after mine and the one before fenchuch street. Maybe that will make them listen

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michael clarke, says...
11:39am Mon 18 Dec 06

If, as Mike Lamport, communications manager for c2c, said: "The timetable works, as our punctuality figures show," then why is is that last week every single train that I took left Chalkwell late - and every train i caught to return home also left fenchurch st late. This morning the 7.23am 'fast' train from Chalkwell was cancelled causing evenyone to pack into the next slow train.

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Laindon Comuter, says...
11:40am Mon 18 Dec 06

why do c2c see it necessary to change the timetable when it obviously worked reasonably well? as my grandfather used to say ' if it isn't broken then don't fix it'! as a paying customer of c2c I feel I at least deserve the liberty of having a seat for my journey from laindon to fenchurch street, am I wrong in saying this?
I have attached the c2c managing directors email address for anybody else who would like to front their concerns!mark.hopwood@c2crail.co.uk

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Upminster Commuter, says...
11:53am Mon 18 Dec 06

Does C2C stand for Cash 2 Chumps? Come on you idiots sitting in your ivory towers can't you see that you are causing misery and upset... Isn't it time to admit that you are wrong! Give us the Christmas present we all deserve and reinstate our old timetable before any more damage is done.

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graham sims, says...
11:55am Mon 18 Dec 06

The new timetable is worse for the vast majority of residents in the Southend area, as there are fewer fast trains. The people living the furthest away, paying the most money, are worse off so the people at Upminster and Barking who are also served by the tube are given the slim chance of trying to squeeze onto already packed trains.

Not only this, but there are delays caused by this new timetable. So the effect is twice as bad.

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Jon, says...
11:59am Mon 18 Dec 06

I cannot believe the amount of moaning in these posts about c2c. Until recently, I used to travel daily on Virgin Trains west coast mainline which was absolutely diabolical. The people of South Essex should count themselves lucky to have c2c. Sure, there were problems in the first week and my journeys have been affected as much as anyone but I think they deserve a chance. To see changes resulting from customer concerns after such a short time is commendable - at least they are listening to us.

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Steve, says...
12:08pm Mon 18 Dec 06

AAHH I wondered when this would start, the above post from 'Jon'
who could well be from C2c's Damage Limitation Department.
I wonder??
Anyway Late again this morning, this looks like being the trend from now on.
Thanks C2c for making life just that little bit harder by being Greedy.

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Anon from Canvey, says...
12:11pm Mon 18 Dec 06

It is laughable that the new timetable is "working"! The 08.41 was shown running on time but didn't actually arrive until 08.47 (the time the next train was due). Once again this train was crowded and the usual scram for any available seats commenced.

I feel for the poor sods who get on after Benfleet as they have no chance of getting a seat and having to be packed in like a tin of sardines (also not fun having the a/c on full blast either. Perhaps it was felt that with the extra bodies on the train we would need the a/c on).

Why are we having to put up with this poor service and being charged even more in the New Year for the privilege???

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Charlotte, says...
12:15pm Mon 18 Dec 06

'Jon' - have you been travelling on the same service as the 4000 people that have signed the petition?

They haven't made any sensbible 'changes' and they aren't listening to us because during their 'consultation period' they totally disregarded the comments people did make as we could all see that the new timetable would result in longer journeys and less choice. They also ignored the 3000+ people who signed the Laindon petition! We didn't ask for these drastic changes to the old timetable!!!

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late for work again, says...
12:19pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Thanks C2C, train was late...again, no seats....again....latefor work ...again. Time to make a stand so that we don't all have to stand

Report this post »

Suzanne, says...
12:34pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Please pass the message on - Passenger Protest - 6pm at Fenchurch Street.

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Ben, says...
12:35pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Mike Lamport, communications manager for c2c, said: "The timetable works, as our punctuality figures show, but what we are building into it is the ability to make certain that if anything goes wrong during the day, then it will not affect the evening rush-hour.

This bloke is having a laugh. I don't recall a single train being on time last week or this morning come to that. OK it was three minutes late arriving, but late is late in my bosses eyes.

Mr Lamport, If all of your drivers were to arrive for work 5 minutes late for a whole week, I bet they would be on some type of warning.

C2C, Be reasonable and play ball.

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Ben, says...
12:36pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Mike Lamport, communications manager for c2c, said: "The timetable works, as our punctuality figures show, but what we are building into it is the ability to make certain that if anything goes wrong during the day, then it will not affect the evening rush-hour.

This bloke is having a laugh. I don't recall a single train being on time last week or this morning come to that. OK it was three minutes late arriving, but late is late in my bosses eyes.

Mr Lamport, If all of your drivers were to arrive for work 5 minutes late for a whole week, I bet they would be on some type of warning.

C2C, Be reasonable and play ball.

Report this post »

Ben, says...
12:37pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Mike Lamport, communications manager for c2c, said: "The timetable works, as our punctuality figures show, but what we are building into it is the ability to make certain that if anything goes wrong during the day, then it will not affect the evening rush-hour.

This bloke is having a laugh. I don't recall a single train being on time last week or this morning come to that. OK it was three minutes late arriving, but late is late in my bosses eyes.

Mr Lamport, If all of your drivers were to arrive for work 5 minutes late for a whole week, I bet they would be on some type of warning.

C2C, Be reasonable and play ball.

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JE, says...
12:48pm Mon 18 Dec 06

The idea that the changes are all OK because the line is not as bad as Virgin West Coast is a nonsense and reflects a perculiarly British willingness to put up with mediocrity. The fact that the West Coast line is dreadful and that Virgin Trains are utterly inept, is not the point. The point is that a perfectly good service that broadly served the needs of its users has been replaced with one that does not, and for no other reason than to increase revenue for the train company. Sorry if I'm being picky or overly demanding, but for £2,260 a year, I expect trains to be on time and I expect a seat every time! What reasonable person wouldn't!?

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Ian J, says...
12:51pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Can the people who have benefited from these changes please let themselves be known, I take it that the changes were made to help other less fortunate travellers so it would go good to know they exist.
BRING BACK THE OLD TIME TABLE, NEXT C2C WILL BE BANNING RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS TOO.

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Gregg, says...
12:53pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Another Monday morning and guess what...Late for work again by 20 mins and guess what, same excuse from C2C.....TRAIN FAILURE. SORT IT OUT C2C!!! thats now the 4th time I have heard that in a week.

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Charles Proctor, says...
12:56pm Mon 18 Dec 06

The miror alterations to the new timetable have made no difference. The 07.16 from Southend East was cancelled and the 07.21 arrived 5 minutes late! By the time it stopped at Benfleet it was so packed, loads of people couldn't get on the train. How is this new timetable an improvement. The old timetable worked fine, so why change it. Bring back the old timetable!!!

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Ian J, says...
12:57pm Mon 18 Dec 06

The petition site is:

http://www.petitiononline.com/c2c/

MAKE SURE YOU SIGN

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Mark Lowman, says...
1:13pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I am so P***ed off with C2C, i have travelled on this line for 15 years and the last week had got to be the worst i have ever known it. The Managing Director of C2C should be shot for this appalling situation, people are passing out on the trains they are so overcrowded.
I hope C2C burn in ****!

Mark, Laindon

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Suzanne, says...
1:15pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Please pass the message on - Passenger Protest - 6pm at Fenchurch Street.

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ALR, says...
1:20pm Mon 18 Dec 06

So much for the additional changes, the trains were knackered this morning, cancelled then reinstated, then cancelled again - Come on c2c sort it out. I'm fed up with being late for work. It's not good enough. BRING BACK THE OLD TIMETABLE NOW!!!!!!!!!!

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Nicola, says...
1:22pm Mon 18 Dec 06

c2c previously ran a reliable, punctual train service where you could get a seat in the morning if travelling from Basildon/Laindon between 8 - 9am, now it is running a shambolic timetable full of sever delays, cancellations and not enough seats between 8am - 9am, BRING BACK THE OLD TIMETABLE and more realistic times for the starter trains .

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Nicola Broad, says...
1:32pm Mon 18 Dec 06

How do these last minute changes help anybody travelling from Leigh-on-Sea between 7.30am and 9am? I was delayed for the 11th time this morning since the new changes wre implemented. Bring back the old timetable and stop wasting everybody's time and energy.

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Steve, says...
1:32pm Mon 18 Dec 06

You must read this (entered on C2C's site on the 22nd Nov)..."c2c Managing Director Mark Hopwood said Our trains are among the most modern in the country, and have been key in putting c2c at the top of the league for punctuality which currently stands at 97% average for the year for peak trains and 94.09% average for the year for all-day services (a record for c2c)."...full link is here: http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/templates/NewsArticle.aspx?id=502 - what a load of s%&t! I say sack Mark Hopwood

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Annoyed, says...
1:33pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I wish they'd stop trying to convince us that everything's been OK since they've stopped using a timetable. I, for one, find it quite offensive. They should have the decency to say that we're all worse off now and that they're not going to do anything about it.

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Phillip, says...
1:34pm Mon 18 Dec 06

The misery line is back to stay. The changes C2C rail have made today (18/12) have made things even worse. I am still unable to get a seat from Basildon.

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bernadette farrell, says...
1:35pm Mon 18 Dec 06

On a serious note is this protest going to happen tonight at 6.00pm ? dont want to turn up like a wally on my own !

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Kim, says...
1:37pm Mon 18 Dec 06

"booze up a brewery in a couldn't c2c organise"

Rearrange the words above into a well known phrase or saying and see why c2c's staff will be going home sober this Chrisatmas.

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Kim, says...
1:39pm Mon 18 Dec 06

AND Christmas too!

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Charlie Mellor, says...
1:40pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Thank God I don't travel all the way to London but only commute to Basildon. Caught the 7.28 from Chalkwell as the 7.24 was, yup, you guessed it, cancelled. And it was absolutely packed. I stood from Chalkwell - NEVER done that before. Clearly something has to be done by us commuters as c2c won't do anything. The words 'utter shambles' really don't do justice to describing the laughable situation we're in.

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L P, says...
1:44pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Well what a complete balls up this morning, standing all the way from Benfleet packed in like cattle because we have no choice and have to get to work on time, it never used to be like this.
Driving into Southend yesterday I saw a C2C advert about 97% of peak trains being on time, i did have to laugh as that is so far from the truth.
I would like to meet the person who's bright idea it was to change the timetable I bet he doesn't go to work travelling with c2c!!!!

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Annoyed #3,674, says...
1:44pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Steve wrote:
You must read this (entered on C2C's site on the 22nd Nov)..."c2c Managing Director Mark Hopwood said Our trains are among the most modern in the country, and have been key in putting c2c at the top of the league for punctuality which currently stands at 97% average for the year for peak trains and 94.09% average for the year for all-day services (a record for c2c)."...full link is here: http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/templates/NewsArticle.aspx?id=502 - what a load of s%&t! I say sack Mark Hopwood

Steve, those numbers were probably correct when they made that post. And they had to post it then because they obviously won't be able to boast of that punctuality any more with this new fiasco. More like 97% LATE. I agree Hopwood must go. He's only interested in saving face now and will never bring back those Laindon starters that were so key in the old timetable.

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Pete from Big Brother 7, says...
1:54pm Mon 18 Dec 06

W*NKERS !

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Anon, says...
1:55pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Hopefully very but I can't get there until 6.30.

As a start I would suggest everyone tonight holds the doors open when the trains are due to depart - delay the trains by a few minutes (more than they alreasy are) lets show some intent.

Congregate on the main concourse, create some noise.

But remeber respect c2c staff (except for Hopwood, Frazer & Lamport) they seem to be as p*ssed off with the new timetable as us passengers

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Pete from Big Brother 7, says...
1:59pm Mon 18 Dec 06

W*NKERS !

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carlie, says...
2:20pm Mon 18 Dec 06

What changes - I must be blind as there have been no changes to help the people at Pitsea in ruch hour, unless you call before 7am rush hour. My train was 14 minutes late again this morning and packed to full capacity before it even reached Pitsea. What a way to travel.

C2C start Listening!

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paul, says...
2:21pm Mon 18 Dec 06

the point about property prices is fair. When they started running fast services from Brighton (years ago-most lines want to run faster services long distance, prices shot up there. With the new timetable, if you want 2 get into the city around 9, it is QUICKER travelling from Brighton than Thorpe Bay...and thats if they run to schedule. That cant be good!
So is there a protest at 6pm tonight then?

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Suzanne, says...
2:44pm Mon 18 Dec 06

bernadette farrell wrote:
On a serious note is this protest going to happen tonight at 6.00pm ? dont want to turn up like a wally on my own !

I'll certainly be there at 6pm.

Report this post »

standard reply from C2C, says...
2:49pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Thank you for contacting us regarding the implementation of the new
timetable and also the disruption to services during the peak periods over
the past few days.

I am sorry that your journeys with us have not been as smooth as you, or
we, would have liked them to have been. It is unfortunately the case that
a range of faults such as signalling and some train failures have meant
that our scheduled services have been disrupted. The delays are not a
direct result of the timetable change and the previous timetable would have
suffered under similar circumstances.

Disruption to services can also lead to overcrowding; especially the case
during peak periods. This coupled with the fact that both customers and our
staff are less familiar with the new timetable has meant that some delayed
services have carried additional customers who have arrived at the station
early for the following timetabled service. Some services have therefore
run full and standing whilst others have had seats available. We have
seen some twelve car trains running with seats available in the rear
carriages whilst the front are full and standing as passengers, used to
standing in the same place on the platforms, may not realise that there is
spare seating available towards the rear of the train.

Over the coming weeks, when the timetable has had an opportunity to bed in
and customers have had a chance to get used to the new timings and carriage
length, we anticipate that passengers will adapt to the new timetable, and
that it will prove to be robust.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us about your
experience. I am sorry for the inconvenience and frustration that you have
been caused over the past few days. Please be assured that c2c have
committed to review the operation of the daily plan and will monitor the
situation on a daily basis.

Yours sincerely,

Serena Wing

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carlie, says...
2:54pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Can someone please tell me where to find this petition. I have tried a few of the links posted above and none of them seem to work. Thanks

With regards to Serena Wings' reply 0 why don't you guys just admit you guys at C2C are wrong. BRING BACK THE OLD TIME TABLE!!

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Rosy, says...
2:54pm Mon 18 Dec 06

The timetable wasn't broken before so why change it!

Grrrrr!

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Anon, says...
2:55pm Mon 18 Dec 06

standard reply from C2C wrote:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the implementation of the new timetable and also the disruption to services during the peak periods over the past few days. I am sorry that your journeys with us have not been as smooth as you, or we, would have liked them to have been. It is unfortunately the case that a range of faults such as signalling and some train failures have meant that our scheduled services have been disrupted. The delays are not a direct result of the timetable change and the previous timetable would have suffered under similar circumstances. Disruption to services can also lead to overcrowding; especially the case during peak periods. This coupled with the fact that both customers and our staff are less familiar with the new timetable has meant that some delayed services have carried additional customers who have arrived at the station early for the following timetabled service. Some services have therefore run full and standing whilst others have had seats available. We have seen some twelve car trains running with seats available in the rear carriages whilst the front are full and standing as passengers, used to standing in the same place on the platforms, may not realise that there is spare seating available towards the rear of the train. Over the coming weeks, when the timetable has had an opportunity to bed in and customers have had a chance to get used to the new timings and carriage length, we anticipate that passengers will adapt to the new timetable, and that it will prove to be robust. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us about your experience. I am sorry for the inconvenience and frustration that you have been caused over the past few days. Please be assured that c2c have committed to review the operation of the daily plan and will monitor the situation on a daily basis. Yours sincerely, Serena Wing

This is the standard response being sent by c2c, I have received this too. They don't understand the meaning of customer service.

Makes me so angry.

[quote][bold]standard reply from C2C[/bold] wrote: Thank you for contacting us regarding the implementation of the new timetable and also the disruption to services during the peak periods over the past few days. I am sorry that your journeys with us have not been as smooth as you, or we, would have liked them to have been. It is unfortunately the case that a range of faults such as signalling and some train failures have meant that our scheduled services have been disrupted. The delays are not a direct result of the timetable change and the previous timetable would have suffered under similar circumstances. Disruption to services can also lead to overcrowding; especially the case during peak periods. This coupled with the fact that both customers and our staff are less familiar with the new timetable has meant that some delayed services have carried additional customers who have arrived at the station early for the following timetabled service. Some services have therefore run full and standing whilst others have had seats available. We have seen some twelve car trains running with seats available in the rear carriages whilst the front are full and standing as passengers, used to standing in the same place on the platforms, may not realise that there is spare seating available towards the rear of the train. Over the coming weeks, when the timetable has had an opportunity to bed in and customers have had a chance to get used to the new timings and carriage length, we anticipate that passengers will adapt to the new timetable, and that it will prove to be robust. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us about your experience. I am sorry for the inconvenience and frustration that you have been caused over the past few days. Please be assured that c2c have committed to review the operation of the daily plan and will monitor the situation on a daily basis. Yours sincerely, Serena Wing [/quote] This is the standard response being sent by c2c, I have received this too. They don't understand the meaning of customer service. Makes me so angry.

Report this post »

MJ, says...
3:02pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Online Petition at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/c2c/petition.html

Report this post »

Geoff, says...
3:04pm Mon 18 Dec 06

carlie wrote:
Can someone please tell me where to find this petition. I have tried a few of the links posted above and none of them seem to work. Thanks With regards to Serena Wings' reply 0 why don't you guys just admit you guys at C2C are wrong. BRING BACK THE OLD TIME TABLE!!

The petition is at http://www.petitiononline.com/c2c

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Annoyed #7,585, says...
3:07pm Mon 18 Dec 06

On the one hand c2c are saying that their punctuality is proof the new timetable is working ( please try to stop laughing at this ) - yet on the other , they are saying in their stock reply :- "It is unfortunately the case that a range of faults such as signalling and some train failures have meant that our scheduled services have been disrupted. " Proof again that they;ve lost the plot.

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Heidi, says...
3:08pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Not only have most of my trains morning, evening, and w/es been late or cancelled over the last few weeks, but the new timetable has eradicated many of the trains that go to and from Westcliff now. If I moved to Pitsea or Leigh perhaps I would have more trains to choose from. I used to have a choice of 4 or 5 trains in the evening...I now have 2 and thats only if I can get a bus from my office that gets me to Fenchurch on time. And all I see on billboards and the C2C website is how they have won more awards for punctuality!!! What?????! They don't communicate the problems and 'this train is delayed due to an earlier train being delayed' is not a reason or explanation. We pay the earth for a shocking service. I agree with the protest tonight but really have to get home so hope that I am able to quickly and easily!!

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Javelin Sam, says...
3:11pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I cannot believe how bad things are. I am really up for a protest tonight but i don't want to be the only one there.

I hope that everyone that intends on going has informed as many other people as they can about it.

The old timetable needs to be re-instated before peoples lives are put at risk from the overcrowding

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Anon, says...
3:12pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I do not understand how c2c can claim that by making trains leave up to three minutes earlier it will ensure that they are leaving on time - surely this can't make sense to anyone. After the new improvements that were supposed to be implemented today my train this morning was cancelled, with the one afterwards late, cramped and cold. It is an atrocious service that we are now coming to expect from c2c.

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big problem, says...
3:15pm Mon 18 Dec 06

i must say i am glad that i have stumbled across this forum, now i am reasured in the fact that it is a very big problem that needs sorting! it seems to me that the problem isnt just from my local station laindon but across the whole line, us as the paying customers for this service need to stand up for what we deserve and i think the only way to do this is constant bombardment to c2c no matter how long it must persist! 6pm fenchurch st tonight

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Javelin Sam, says...
3:17pm Mon 18 Dec 06

on the 07.17 train this morning from Grays to Fenchurch street via, Chafford Hundered, Ockendon, Upminster, Barking, Limehouse the train was held for about 5-8mins just outside grays aftrer already arriving late at grays. When we pulled out of Chafford Hundred the driver came on the tannoy and said.. "sorry for the late running of this train, I have been informed by my controller that this train will now NOT stop at Barking or Limehouse. This is due to the new timetable which is, If i'm honnest, A LOAD OF CRAP"

The train erupted in laughter...and then back to the moaning..

C2C really need a kick up the backside...

Report this post »

Chris Richardson, says...
3:20pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Right so protest tonight at 6pm. NO PULLING CORDS!
Just crowd the station and make our voices heard!
If we makes sure trains wont leave the station then yes, it will make the situation worse but at least C2C will hear us!
One night of pain, but we'll save our train line from becoming the "misery line" again!

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Heidi, says...
3:21pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Also we should definitely have some compensation !!!!!!!

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Annoyed #8,462, says...
3:23pm Mon 18 Dec 06

It'll be interesting to see what representation (if any) c2c management send out at Fen St tonight. Unless they are even more incompetent than they would have us believe by their actions so far, they must know of the protest planned for this evening. I wonder if Hopwood has the balls to face the music this time?

Report this post »

Anon, says...
3:23pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I appreciate the idea of protesting tonight etc etc to help in the long term but some of have places to be this evening that are important and this will just ruin our evenings!!!!

Report this post »

Jodie, says...
3:24pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I have just informed The Sun about this protest tonight and all the PROBLEMS we are all having......hopefully they can help us too!!!!!

IF IT IS NOT BROLKE DON@T FIX IT!!!!!!

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carlie, says...
3:27pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Thanks MJ - Have signed.

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Annoyed #9.574, says...
3:33pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Any lawyers out there? The new service bears little similarity to that which was on offer when most of us bought our tickets. Ciouple that with their pledge to improve service & passenger comfort and we have a case for "mis-selling" ??

Report this post »

javelin sam, says...
3:33pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Anon wrote:
I appreciate the idea of protesting tonight etc etc to help in the long term but some of have places to be this evening that are important and this will just ruin our evenings!!!!

Yes i agree with you. HOWEVER C2C are making everyone late both to and from work every day of the working week. This will continue for the next 4 years unless we make a stand NOW

Report this post »

Ian Barnes, says...
3:43pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I hate c2c and always have but just as they start to sort things out they go and **** it all up again...What a bunch of mugs they are. I mean who really wants to stop at every station all the way to Fenchurch Street..? What also grips my **** is when i am hingover and have to stand all the way packed in a carriage like a refugee bus...and dont even dare put the prices up more you rip off bastards.

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javelin sam, says...
3:48pm Mon 18 Dec 06

BBC and Sky news also informed about the 6pm protest

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Tara Morton, says...
3:51pm Mon 18 Dec 06

This morning Monday 18th Dec, there was nearly a riot on the train, it was cold, they were delayed and fighting and shouting started as people could not get on, would you like someone to be crushed before you help us, no doubt you don't use the train management of c2c, admit your wrong with this new timetable and show you have some guts.

Report this post »

Anon, says...
3:52pm Mon 18 Dec 06

newsdesk@itvlondon.com

Does someone want to inform the above? I'm not in at work today so can't participate in the protest but am totally behind you all.

c2c cannot get away with this for much longer.

Report this post »

javelin sam, says...
3:55pm Mon 18 Dec 06

there are only so many ways i can contact the news agencies... please someone e-mail the Metro news desk

news.london@ukmetro.co.uk

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TP, says...
3:55pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I am related to a member of National Express board. He told me at the weekend that the board were very upset about the adverse publicity being generated by c2c at the time that NAt Express were making their trading statement. They are not happy with the way Hopwood has managed the situation and are watching closely. Could be Hopwood's days are numbered.

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carlie, says...
4:01pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I totally agree with the protest. We have to make ourselves heard now! If we don't C2C will win. I certainly don't want to give them any extra time out of my life than I am having to right now. With all this lateness and lack of trains they are just taking it anyway, bit like our money with the new fare increase that are coming our way in Jan.07. Yes we have places to go this evening but this is IMPORTANT!!

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javelin sam, says...
4:05pm Mon 18 Dec 06

this has been spoken about on the London Lite message board too

http://chat.thisislondon.co.uk/london/threadnonInd.jsp?forum=35&thread=236332&message=794688

hopefully there will be plenty of people there

chant with me fellow commuters..

"What do we want?...the old time table...When do we want it?...NOW!"

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bernadette, says...
4:07pm Mon 18 Dec 06

i have informed the metro

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JE, says...
4:07pm Mon 18 Dec 06

'Gregg' asked if the beneficiaries of the changes will make themselves known. I doubt they read the Echo since they all live in Upminster and Barking. Yes, the good folk of RM14 can now take a 20 minute train ride instead of a 40-minute Tube, all subsidised by the long-distance commuters of southeast Essex.

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bernadette farrell, says...
4:19pm Mon 18 Dec 06

breaking news on the echo , c2c backs down over timetable could this be true ?

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Ken, says...
4:20pm Mon 18 Dec 06

to travel from Southend Central to Fenchurch St on the old timetable, departing between 8am and 9am, there was a choice of 6 trains.

Under the new timetable there are now only 4 trains, with an average waiting time between them of greater than 15 minutes, and with an increased average journey time to boot!

so I now have less trains and a longer journey, for which I will be expected, come January 1, to pay more money!

also, to return between 6pm and 7pm there are 7 trains timetabled leaving Fenchurch St

how does this equate to passenger volumes?

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javelin sam, says...
4:26pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Posted by: bernadette farrell on 4:19pm today
breaking news on the echo , c2c backs down over timetable could this be true ?

my guess it's a smoke screen to avoid the protest...

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bernadette farrell, says...
4:27pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I AGREE I THINK IT IS A BLUFF
EVERYONE STILL BE THERE at 6.00pm

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spike, says...
4:34pm Mon 18 Dec 06

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local/display.var.1080114.0.breaking_news_c2c_backs_down_over_timetable.php

well done everyone but why did it take this long for c2c to realise they had made a mistake?

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javelin sam, says...
4:36pm Mon 18 Dec 06

untill it's put on the C2C website...DO NOT BELIEVE IT

everyone be there at 6pm...

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old ted, says...
4:42pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Please paying customers pay no attention whatsoever to rumours that c2c have backed down over the new timetables, it simply is not true! i for one will be at fenchurch street shortly before 6 to be counted in on the day the paying customer had thier say! please dont hesitate to bring banners ect ect as i have a strange feeling there will be some press there (as i informed many newspaper publishers as im sure did many others) viva la resistance

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Dani, says...
4:50pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I'll be there, after a swift pint of course! Viva la resistance!

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mysterious man, says...
5:08pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Yes good idea, i think i might go for a swift pint aswell in the fen! i hope this protest will be a worthwhile cause! less then an hour to go now peeps get hyped up!

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Stephen "Beaver", says...
5:08pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I have the Echo...

it says nothing about backing down....

PROTEST!!! THEY WILL LISTEN!!!!

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Stephen "Beaver", says...
5:09pm Mon 18 Dec 06

PROTEST!!! THEY WILL LISTEN!!!!

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Stephen "Beaver", says...
5:09pm Mon 18 Dec 06

PROTEST!!! THEY WILL LISTEN!!!!

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Anon, says...
5:10pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Please please please let it be true never thought i would get so excited over a timetable. Good luck to everyone at Fenchurch Street tonightI can't get there in time I finish at Canary Wharf at 6 but i will be thinking of you all. People power rocks!!!!!!!!!

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a c2c driver, says...
5:10pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I AGREE TOO :

PLEASE PROTEST!!! THEY WILL LISTEN!!!!

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Tim Bartlett, says...
5:13pm Mon 18 Dec 06

I'll believe it when it actually happens.
They promised to change the new timetable after last weeks debacle & look what happened this morning! The 'changes' that they made benefit no-one.
I wouldn't trust c2c as far as I could throw Mr Hopwood, their MD. This is a smokescreen in an effort to avoid & defuse the confrontation of the planned protest. I wonder if Mr Hopwood will have the balls to face us & state in front of the press & TV cameras that the old timetable will be reinstated AND give a definitive date in January - assuming that that he meant 2007 as he didn't specify what year!

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Stephen "Beaver", says...
5:17pm Mon 18 Dec 06

40 minutes and counting

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bats, says...
5:18pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Mr Mark Hopwood photo look out for him at Fenchurch Street tonight and give him a piece of your mind....

http://thumbs.fotopic.net/199029000929.jpg

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Citizen Cane, says...
5:19pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Marie Antoinette said "let them eat cake" C2C say "let them stand" Well we'll not stand for it, Viva la revolution

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Katie, says...
5:22pm Mon 18 Dec 06

It is definately happening my friend has just been given a leaflet at fenchurch Street saying the old timetable will be brought back at the beginning of Jan!

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batts, says...
5:24pm Mon 18 Dec 06

Here's a better picture of Mark Hopwood

http://images5.fotopic.net/?iid=yhthim&outx=0&quality=90&noresize=1

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bats, says...
5:30pm Mon 18 Dec 06

http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/templates/Timetables.aspx?id=19

It's official C2C bring back old timetable

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Fed-up, says...
12:37am Tue 19 Dec 06

Jon wrote:
I cannot believe the amount of moaning in these posts about c2c. Until recently, I used to travel daily on Virgin Trains west coast mainline which was absolutely diabolical. The people of South Essex should count themselves lucky to have c2c. Sure, there were problems in the first week and my journeys have been affected as much as anyone but I think they deserve a chance. To see changes resulting from customer concerns after such a short time is commendable - at least they are listening to us.

Indeed, you probably are a c2c Manager (or should that be, mis-manager?) to come out with such specious comments. Pray tell, which part of the West Coast Line did you use? Prior to the very extensive work done on the West Coast Line, I found the punctuality was pretty good - bearing in mind the use of a fleet of that age and the distance involved! You cannot compare the two; only a fool would attempt to do so. With c2c there was no plausible excuse - I've forgotten how many times I muttered "spare me your platitudes", on hearing the usual announcement on a platform these past two weeks. I also travel to Devon to visit family and I've never experienced this amount of grief with South-West Trains. A word springs rapidly to mind... incompetence.
That word that is usually followed by, 'resignation'; or, at least it is, in most people's jobs. Thank God someone at National Express used their brain and some muscle!

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Ian j, says...
9:22am Tue 19 Dec 06

Well done C2C, it takes courage to back down. Merry Christmas

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JT, says...
9:33am Tue 19 Dec 06

I agree with everything you say and am just as displeased. However, protesting on monday - which Monday do you mean, not Xmas Day or New Years Day??

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Ian j, says...
10:04am Tue 19 Dec 06

The protest was for yesterday but C2C have backed down and reverted back to the previous time table. ALL IS NOW GOOD, FOR JAN AT LEAST.

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Carol Ball, says...
12:47pm Tue 19 Dec 06

All is well, unless, like me, you have to work between Christmas and New Year. No trains East of Laindon or Stanford le hope. Bus services in operation or you can use your ticket on One services. No compensation either. Last year the trains were packed between Christmas and New Year. My journey time will double (and that's if all goes to plan!) I do understand that this has to be done, but you would think they would at least offer some compensation to those of use who are going to be majorly inconvenienced.

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Malcolm, says...
8:55am Wed 20 Dec 06

I commuted by train for 18 years but have been a regular COACH user since the glory days of the Misery Line. But I occasionally use the train and the last two weeks have proved that, even with its own service reductions, the coach service offers a welcome alternative. If more dissatisfied c2c users were to try the coach, we could get the service back to how it used to be. c2c need to bear that in mind.

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Ikenna Udeagbala, says...
3:04pm Wed 20 Dec 06

It is very obvious that the new C2C timetable is written by someone that has no idea about timetables or C2C has decided that having trains running late during the rush hour in the mornings is a positive step for the company.

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Anon, says...
7:11pm Thu 21 Dec 06

The c2c timetable was written by someone who had knowledge about the railways!

The old timetable will be reintroduced on 08/01/07 as I understand.

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Mr. P. Armand, says...
1:00am Tue 26 Dec 06

Under British Rail most commmuter trains via Laindon were 12 coach trains in the rush hour.Another problem is the re signalling was inadequate between Barking and Fenchurch Street,made worse with West Ham station opening.This is why the trains crawl along.Installation of 4 aspect signals with extra signals installed is the solution.In the old days trains would travel at 70 mph from Bromley to East Ham.

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Reece, says...
3:34am Fri 5 Jan 07

i know this is a little bit late to be asking but does anybody know if c2c are offering void days for the massive upset that they have caused for the last month and a bit?????????

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