COMMUTERS are determined not to let c2c forget about the issues they claim the new timetable has created.

Passengers are adamant that increased stops in east London have meant increased journey times for those travelling from south Essex, as well as leading to the overcrowding – especially in the evening peak – as those getting off in east London pack onto trains at Fenchurch Street.

Irate commuters have also lamented the introduction of four-carriage services during peak times – c2c say this is to provide more choice – and the conversion of carriages into ‘Metro’ services with a reduction in the number of seats but increase in standing capacity.

Shana Doherty is a daily commuter from Westcliff to Fenchurch Street and set up a petition in advance of the new timetable to protest against its implementation.

She said: “Right now, as it stands, the timetable definitely still needs looking at.

“Journey times for me are just so much longer and lots of people are still complaining of overcrowding all over the line – all the issues from when it first changed are still very much alive.

“Getting the obligation for east London stops waived is a small victory for us but it is still up to c2c to then make the necessary changes – but it will not fix everything.”

Commuters are also complaining of a lack of communication between c2c and its customers.

Southend’s MPs, Sir David Amess and James Duddridge, have been fighting the corner of the passengers but one commuter feels even their fight is now fading.

The Leigh commuter, who asked not to be named, is not confident of any significant changes.

He said: “Engagement with passengers is avoided at all costs.

“The Twitter team have clearly been instructed not to argue the toss with passengers, they now simply advise that you email in and there are no meet the manager sessions scheduled.

“The MPs are losing interest too. David Amess has copped out by calling on commuters to start a House of Commons petition with a target of 100,000 signatures.

“He must know full well it will never get close to that figure. Peak-period capacity at c2c is 40,000.

“James Duddridge says he has secured agreement to waive the east London stops clause but it will make no difference.

“The trains are making those stops to generate more revenue, not to comply with DfT diktats.”

A fellow Leigh passenger agrees that the MPs have lost interest and said commuters are left with no option.

Jonathan Eley, 44, said: “The company is clearly digging in, they will take the abuse on social media in return for the extra revenue.

“Passengers, who mostly have very little choice about how they get to work, have been completely hung out to dry."

Passenger numbers increase from autumn 2015 to present:

Average eight per cent increase in morning peak and 9 per cent in the evening

Around two thirds of the extra passengers are boarding at Essex stations

Passenger numbers are up by 16 per cent from Leigh, 15 per cent from Thorpe Bay and 14 per cent at Rainham, with Ockendon, Basildon and Tilbury Town all seeing 13 per cent increases

Upminster and Rainham account for majority of the increase in growth for London stations

West Ham stops are popular, with more than 20 per cent extra passengers alighting there.