COMMUTERS will benefit from longer trains, better station parking and more CCTV when the franchise for the c2c line is awarded next year, a rail watchdog says.

A new operator will be appointed to run the Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street route in May 2011.

The Government is now drawing up a checklist of improvements on the route.

Passenger Focus, which champions the views of commuters, is urging passengers to have their say about the future of the line and let the Government know what investment is needed.

The group has highlighted some priorities, including putting on more frequent peak-time services to tackle overcrowding, timetabling more weekend and bank holiday trains, running trains until later in the evening, and increasing the number of guards on trains so passengers feel safer.

Tunde Olatunji, from Passenger Focus, a commuter from Chalkwell who frequently uses the line, said: “This consultation is very important.

“The new franchise contract could last anything from ten to 22 years, so we really have got to get it as right as possible.”

He said big transport companies were already showing interest in the franchise, and passengers would see improvements to the line.

Rail travellers have until April 19 to make their views heard. After the deadline, transport bosses will issue invitations to tender and look seriously at potential bidders.

To read the consultation document, visit: www.dft.gov.uk/ consultations/open/2010-09/ Alternatively call 0300 3303000.