CONCERNS over rail operator c2c’s proposed new timetable have been partially addressed, claims a passenger group.

Chairman of the Southend Rail Travellers Association, Peter Slattery, slammed the National Express-owned train operator when it announced its provisional timetable last October.

After a three-month public consultation. c2c has made changes to its proposed timetable after 88 per cent of the 2,239 respondents opposed the plans.

Mr Slattery was previously critical of c2c’s initial plan for all trains to stop at all stations on the Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street, via Basildon, line.

After the modifications though, two services will run non-stop between West Ham and Benfleet during the evening peak period.

Mr Slattery said: “We think the passengers have scored a few goals that we wouldn’t have done if there wasn’t this consultation.

“We are still in talks with c2c and making adjustments, we have a good relationship with them.

“We are not happy they still need more changes, but they have listened and changed things, so we welcome that."

The new timetable is designed to make the best possible use of their current train fleet while increasing capacity where most needed, improving connections with Transport for London services and improving journey times between Shoebury and London.

Managing director of c2c, Julian Drury, said: “This is the first time we have ever consulted on a new timetable so far in advance of its introduction, and this is because we wanted passengers to have a real input into the process.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part.

“We have listened to passengers and made key changes to address the main themes from the consultation, while still delivering the overall key objectives for improving the service.

“We have tried really hard to balance everyone’s needs and include as many ideas as possible, and we will do everything we can to make sure this new timetable is a success.”

The updated timetable will now be submitted to Network Rail and the final plans confirmed, with exact timings of each service announced in September.

C2c will then launch an information campaign to inform all passengers of the changes ahead of the launch on Sunday, December 13.

A full copy of the consultation report and the actions c2c will be taking is available at c2c-online.co.uk/travel-infor mation/timetables/c2c-pro posed-2015-timetables

Modifications to ensure better service

KEY modifications to the proposed timetable are as follows:

  • Two new starter services from Laindon added to the morning peak, with some other trains retimed to close gaps in service. This provides Laindon station with an increase of nine more peak services (47 per cent) compared with today’s timetable.
  • Three additional services from Shoeburyness in the morning peak, which will reduce timetable gaps and also improve links with Basildon.
  • Two services will run non-stop from West Ham to Benfleet station at 17.00 and 19.30, which will give non-stop journey times to the Southend area that are comparable with the fastest services available in the current timetable.
  • There will be other changes to the timing of some individual services. The changes will provide 20 per cent more services for the morning peak period and 30 per cent more in the evening rush hour.
  • West Ham station, the second-busiest on the c2c network, will receive 75 per cent more peak services.