Essex Rail Users Federation

Marks Tey Station Improvements Complete

2012-01-28T13:37:00.000Z

The new improved Marks Tey station was officially opened on Friday 27th January.

The station has been rebuilt by National Express East Anglia with investment of £2.2m as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme.

The improved facilities include:

New station building situated adjacent to the station forecourt comprising ticket office, customer toilets and new retail facility
New access ramp and stairs to the London bound platform which has been widened and new waiting shelters installed
On the Colchester bound platform and interchange with Sudbury line services, improvements include upgraded customer toilets and waiting room
A redesigned station forecourt provides a drop-off and pick-up area, as well as improved cycle and motor cycle parking
Improved signage, lighting and CCTV

NXEA Come Bottom In Customer Satisfaction Survey

2012-01-27T12:24:00.002Z

In the latest Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by Passenger Focus, National Express East Anglia came a very poor last scoring only 77% - a full 3% less than the next worst performer First Capital Connect. Rather worryingly Northern Rail - another Abellio franchise - only scored 83%.

On a more positive note Merseyrail, the third franchise with Abellio connections, came third overall with 93%.

Grand Central came top with an impressive 95%.

New Management For Abellio Franchise

2012-01-26T09:56:00.001Z

With less than 2 weeks to go to the launch of the new Greater Anglia franchise, Abellio has announced the board of directors who will lead the company for the next 29 months. Only one of the NXEA management team appears to have moved across.

Ruud Haket - Managing Director
Andrew Goodrum - Customer Services Director
Adam Golton - Finance Director
Thijs Jan Noomen - Projects Director
John Ratcliffe - Engineering Director
Nanouke van ‘t Riet - Operations Director
Andrew Camp - Commercial Director
Simone Bailey - Asset Management Director
Dave Welham - interim HR Director

Rail Fare Rises in 2013 & 2014 To Stay At RPI+3%

2012-01-20T11:47:00.002Z

The government has confirmed that rail fare rises at the start of 2013 and 2014 are to stay at RPI+3 per cent. The rise at the start of this month was kept to RPI+1 per cent, after a policy u-turn announced by the Chancellor at the end of November, but nothing was said at the time about what would happen in future years.

The confirmation has come in its announcement about the issuing of Invitations to Tender for the next Intercity West Coast franchise.

In a note attached to the ITT statement, the Department said: 'The ITT for the InterCity West Coast franchise follows the current agreed regulated fares policy as set out in the 2011 Comprehensive Spending Review – a rise in 2012 of RPI + 1 per cent and RPI + 3 per cent for 2013 and 2014, returning to RPI + 1% thereafter. Over the long term we are committed to reducing the cost of running the railways and the goal of ending the era of above-inflation fare increases.'

Revised Planning Application For Beaulieu Park

2012-01-18T09:26:00.003Z

Countryside Properties and its development partner, L&Q, have revised their outline planning application for a new railway station in North East Chelmsford. In a press release the company stated that "The proposals represent a major addition to the sustainable transport infrastructure of both the town and the county. The application complements proposals for a new neighbourhood at Beaulieu Park, with up to 3,600 new homes and a total of 620,000 sq. ft. of commercial space incorporating a business park.

The station will include four platforms with passing loops that will bring efficiency and capacity benefits to the operation of the Great Eastern main line and therefore both to the county and region. It will be a new transport hub where passengers can complete journeys using sustainable modes of transport. The proposals incorporate a bus interchange and substantial cycle parking. It is expected that 60 per cent of passengers will travel to the station by non-car means.

This improved facility is expected to reduce congestion at the existing Chelmsford station (which is the busiest commuter station in the Anglia region, outside London) and the reduced numbers of car trips will therefore assist in also reducing congestion in the town centre and on radial routes."

Changes To Departure Boards At Liverpool Street

2012-01-18T09:19:00.002Z

Network Rail, NXEA and Atos are making plans to change the information currently displayed on the main departure boards at Liverpool Street. The main board will be split into 3 sections as follows:

Section 1 will display services to: King’s Lynn,Cambridge, Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, Hertford East, Enfield Town and Chingford

Section 2 will feature a ‘Special Notice’ display, giving passengers additional general information concerning train services.

Section 3 will display services to: Norwich, Ipswich, Harwich Town, Walton-on-the-Naze, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Colchester Town, Braintree, Southminster, Southend Victoria, Shenfield and Gidea Park.

There will be no change to the current Stansted Express information on the main departure board.

It does not appear that the actual technology is changing so the most common criticism received about the clarity of the boards is not being addressed.

NXEA 'Tweet The Manager'

2012-01-09T17:52:00.002Z

There will soon be another opportunity for users of Twitter to talk to senior NXEA managers. The next 'Tweet the Manager' session will be on 17th January between 1630 and 1830. Train Planning and Performance Managers will be in attendance. Use hashtag #ttmnxea

Abellio "The Most Cost Effective Bid"

2011-12-30T12:57:00.002Z

The Radio 4 programme 'You And Yours' today did a feature on the railways which included mention of the recent award of the Greater Anglia franchise to Abellio. The programme explained that as part of the bidding process the losing bidders - in this case Stagecoach and Go Ahead - are told why they lost out. Both companies were effectively told that their emphasis was on customer service rather than giving the government value for money. Abellio therefore apparently came top for putting the emphasis on value for money for the tax payer rather than the customer. Interesting times ahead possibly...

Late Evening Timetable Changes - A Reminder

2011-12-28T16:22:00.001Z

Passengers are reminded that on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9th January to 21st March the last train to Colchester and beyond from Liverpool Street leaves London at 22:30.

Passengers leaving on the 23:30 from Liverpool Street will find themselves in Billericay from where a coach will take them to Witham. A train will leave Witham at 00:50 calling at Colchester at 01:04 and Manningtree at 01:14. Passengers to Clacton and Walton are advised to check timetables.

Sadly NXEA have not yet widely publicised these changes which will no doubt cause inconvenience to theatre and concert goers alike.

Train Punctuality Just Below National Average

2011-12-27T11:26:00.002Z

Trains last month were more punctual than last year.

However, National Express East Anglia was just below the national average, with 88.3% of trains arriving on time between November 13 and December 10. The national average was 88.4%. Last year National Express East Anglia had 84.4% punctuality for the same period.

Tell NXEA What You Think

2011-12-23T11:15:00.003Z

National Express East Anglia are asking customers, staff and stakeholders for feedback on their service. Take part in the survey here.

ERUF Attends Meeting With Abellio

2011-12-20T14:57:00.001Z

Members of the ERUF Committee attended a meeting with senior managers from Abellio today to discuss their plans for the new Greater Anglia franchise.

Abellio took the opportunity to explain again that the short nature of this franchise - only 29 months - means that the emphasis will be on improving customer service rather than major projects such as acquiring new trains. A Customer Training programme will be provided to all operational staff and 1,650 PDAs will be distributed amongst customer facing staff to enable them to provide timely information to passengers. Regular customer surveys will be carried out to monitor service quality. A texting service will be reintroduced, as well as advising passengers via email of service issues.

Abellio will be launching a mobile phone application from which tickets can be bought and new, easier to use, ticket machines will be introduced by May 2012. A new website will be introduced from which tickets can be bought together with a 'print at home' service.

As has been widely publicised the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go service will be extended to Shenfield.

Abellio assures passengers that the reduction to the fleet of 8 carriages will not increase crowding as existing stock will be better utilised. This may mean that certain trains appear fuller than before i.e. trains previously 40% full may now be 80% full but this is due to better utilisation of existing carriages. Also timetables will be colour coded to identify crowded services to allow passengers to make better choices about those they use. Platform zoning will also be introduced to identify where the busy carriages are and also first class.

Abellio will also be taking steps to ensure services run smoothly during the Olympics.

Overall the impression given was promising but of course the proof will be in how they perform once they take over on 5th February.

Disruption Over Christmas - A Reminder

2011-12-19T15:39:00.000Z

A reminder that services will be disrupted on certain days over the Christmas break. Overhead lines are being replaced between Ilford and Liverpool Street and as such there will be no services between Ingatestone and Liverpool Street on 24th, 27th and 31st December and the 1st and 2nd January.

As usual there will be no service on 25th and 26th December.

ERUF Attends Rail Summit

2011-12-16T10:57:00.000Z

Members of ERUF attended the much publicised Rail Summit at Portcullis House yesterday. The summit was arranged by East Anglian MPs to emphasise the need the major improvements to rail services in the region.

Network Rail came in for much criticism and indeed the start of the meeting was delayed due to attendees being held up by timely signalling problems at Stratford. Network Rail admitted that it is disappointed with its own performance and failure to properly maintain the infrastructure in the region. However they stated that the London - Norwich line had received relatively little new funding compared to other lines in the country.

It was agreed by all that investment in the Essex infrastructure would be of benefit to all along the Norwich line. It was also agreed that the train fleet had to be radically overhauled and / or replaced.

Mark Leslie (ERUF Secretary) Priti Patel (MP for Witham) and Derek Monnery (ERUF Chairman)

Abellio - Don't Expect Miracles

2011-12-14T08:22:00.004Z

Abellio has warned passengers not to expect miracles when they take over the Greater Anglia franchise in February. The short term of the franchise - only 29 months - means that there is a limit to what can be achieved. However Abellio are looking to establish themselves with a view to successfully winning the longer, 15 year franchise due to start in 2014 when large projects such as the possibility of new trains between London and Norwich can be investigated.

During the shorter franchise Abellio hope to improve customer service by issuing all customer facing staff with smartphones to keep them up to date with service issues. Abellio has also promised to deep clean every carriage before the Olympics.

Various new ticketing initiatives will be introduced to encourage passengers onto off-peak services with discounts being offered in the same way the company has successfully done on the other two franchises it runs in partnership with Serco - Merseyrail and Northern Rail.

Abellio has also confirmed that the new franchise will be known as "Greater Anglia".

New Timetable Starts on 11th December

2011-12-09T16:09:00.001Z

A quick reminder that the new timetable starts on Sunday (11th December). Check the NXEA website for details.

ERUF Meets With Transport Minister

2011-12-08T17:29:00.001Z

Members of the Essex Rail Users Federation today met with the Transport Minister Theresa Villiers. Items discussed included the shocking state of our trains, infrastructure investment and the need for improved information Systems. Also discussed was the recent fare increase announcement and unregulated charges such as car parking which have soared in recent years. Also in attendance at the meeting was Bob Russell MP.

Representing ERUF Left to Right: Tony Baxter (Clacton / Walton branch), Derek Monnery (ERUF Chairman), Roger North (Chelmsford), Neil Skinner (Manningtree) and Peter Radford (Chelmsford)

Theresa Villiers Confirms No Reduction In Train Numbers

2011-12-07T12:58:00.002Z

In response to a question raised by Bernard Jenkin MP, the Rail Minister Theresa Villiers has confirmed that there will not be a reduction in the number trains on the Great Eastern line when Abellio takes over. The Hansard entry reads as follows:

    "Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many trains are in service on the National Express East Anglia Great Eastern Line. [83711]

     Mrs Villiers: The fleet deployment plan provided by National Express East Anglia for the timetable running from May to December 2011 shows an allocation of 11 locomotive-hauled sets, and 147 electric multiple units to Great Eastern services each day (Monday to Friday).

     Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of how many trains will be in service on the Great Eastern Line under the new franchise holders. [83712]

     Mrs Villiers: The successful bid for the Greater Anglia franchise by Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd includes a fleet deployment plan that allocates 11 locomotive-hauled sets and 147 electric multiple units to Great Eastern services each day (Monday to Friday)."

Service Disruption Over Christmas And New Year

2011-12-01T16:05:00.001Z

Details of engineering works on the NXEA network over the Christmas and New year Period can be found here. Due to the replacement of overhead wires between Ilford and Stratford, services are severely restricted on certain days over the holiday period.

Extra Colchester Town trains for Christmas shoppers

2011-12-01T11:19:00.000Z

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) is running additional train services for Christmas shoppers visiting Colchester on busy Sundays in December.

On Sundays 4, 11 and 18 December an additional hourly train service will provide passengers from Walton-on-the-Naze, Frinton-on-Sea, Kirby Cross, Thorpe-le-Soken, Weeley, Great Bentley, Alresford, Wivenhoe and Hythe with a service into Colchester Town.

Customers travelling to Colchester Town from these locations on Sundays in December can take advantage of NXEA’s 2FOR1 travel offer. Special vouchers are available online together with details of the timetable here.

Fare Increases Reduced

2011-11-29T14:00:00.003Z

In his Autumn Statement the Chancellor has announced that rail fare increases in January will be capped at 1% above inflation, down from 3%. This still means an horrendous increase of 6.2% but is better than the 8.2% previously planned.

December Timetable Changes - Extra Services

2011-11-25T08:58:00.000Z

December 11th sees the introduction of the winter timetable with the following amendments affecting our region:

An additional 06.47 service from Colchester Town to London, calling at Colchester, Marks Tey, Witham, Chelmsford and Stratford.
The 07.05 Clacton-on-Sea to London service will call additionally at Kelvedon.
The 07.29 Witham to Liverpool Street service will call additionally at Stratford.
The 07.18 and 08.17 Liverpool Street to Clacton services will call additionally at Marks Tey
There will be additional 09.09 Marks Tey to Sudbury and 09.29 Sudbury to Marks Tey services.
An additional 08.06 service from Liverpool Street to Ipswich, calling at Stratford, Shenfield, Ingatestone, Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Witham, Colchester and Manningtree
An additional 09.30 service from Ipswich to London, calling at Manningtree, Colchester, Marks Tey, Witham and Chelmsford.
The 16.44 Liverpool Street to Clacton-on-Sea/Harwich Town service will call additionally at Stratford
An additional 19.32 service from Liverpool Street to Harwich International, calling at Stratford, Chelmsford, Witham, Colchester and Manningtree.
An additional 21.05 service from Harwich Town to Colchester, calling at Dovercourt, Harwich International, Wrabness, Mistley and Manningtree.

There are also a number of minor changes to train times in the December timetable and passengers are advised to check their travel details in advance.

Greater Anglia

2011-11-24T21:25:00.005Z

Confirmation possibly that the new franchise will be called Greater Anglia and the new corporate colour is red. Click here.

MP Wants New Rail Franchise To Be Blocked

2011-11-09T16:16:00.002Z

Colchester MP Bob Russell has urged the government not to proceed with the new Greater Anglia rail franchise until claims that the winning bidder, Abellio, may be reducing the size of the train fleet are fully investigated.

Full story here.

Cable Theft - Government Petition

2011-11-08T10:28:00.004Z

If your journey has been made a misery this morning following the cable theft in Suffolk you may wish to sign this government e-petition in support of a Private Members Bill being put before Parliament next Monday by Graham Jones MP, which aims to reform the outdated Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/21165

No Response Yet From Abellio Re Train Reduction Plan

2011-11-02T10:23:00.003Z

Pressure is mounting on Abellio to make public their plans to reduce the size of the train fleet they will be inheriting when they take over the East Anglian rail franchise from NXEA next year. Reports suggest that up to 15 class 317 trains will be sent back next year resulting in the loss of 4,700 seats.

Official statistics show train use is increasing year on year across the region so reducing the number of available trains to reduce costs to the operator seems peverse in the extreme.

Recent Delays Caused By Faulty Component

2011-10-27T12:31:00.002+01:00

The delays experienced on the 18th October due to overhead line failure in the Bethnal Green area, were caused by a manufacturing defect in a particular component. Network Rail have checked the same component elsewhere and not found the same fault. Hopefully therefore this is a one off.

Abellio To Reduce The Number Of Trains?

2011-10-24T18:14:00.001+01:00

Reports in the media are suggesting that Abellio - announced last week as the company to take over the Greater Anglia franchise from National Express East Anglia - may reduce the number of trains in the fleet by 15 units. That equates to 4,770 seats. Trains are expensive to lease and this may be a contributory factor in Abellio being able to deliver a service for less. However such a move would be a complete reversal of steps taken by NXEA to introduce more seats in an attempt to reduce overcrowding.

A sign of things to come?

Abellio Announced As The Replacement For NXEA

2011-10-20T09:29:00.002+01:00

The Department for Transport has today issued the following announcement:

"Abellio Greater Anglia Limited has been chosen as the new operator for the 'Greater Anglia' franchise which is currently operated by National Express East Anglia and stretches across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. It will be part of the transport provision for the London 2012 Games, serving the Olympic Park area. Under the terms of the deal, the new operator will carry out a range of improvements during the 29 month contract. These will include improvements to stations, new ticket facilities and better passenger information. In addition, the majority of the train fleet will be 'deep-cleaned', some will be refurbished and more carriages will be fitted with CCTV.

Theresa Villiers said:

“This new franchise will start delivering important improvements for passengers, with more to come in the longer contract that will follow it. The franchise will also play a significant role in transport for the London 2012 Games providing crucial services to the Olympic Park area.”

“We want to make it easier for passengers to use the railways so the new operator will extend Oyster pay-as-you-go services to ten stations on the Shenfield and Hertford East lines and introduce mobile phone and print-at-home ticketing facilities. Passengers will also get better access to information as the new operator is introducing a text messaging service to keep passengers informed if disruption occurs and new information desks at major stations including Liverpool Street, Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich and Stansted Airport.”

Other improvements to be delivered by the new franchise include:

· A new cycle hire scheme at Norwich station and cycle storage points at 15 stations, including space for 500 bicycles at Chelmsford.

· Up to 300 new car parking spaces, plus a further 300 at Shenfield and Wickford stations, subject to planning approval.

· Cleaning and painting of 141 stations across the franchise."

Talk To NXEA Managers On Twitter

2011-10-20T08:09:00.000+01:00

North Area station managers (stations north of Shenfield) will be on Twitter between 13:00 and 15:00 on Friday (21st) to answer your questions. Follow @NXEastAnglia or hashtag #nxeanorth

Cable Thefts

2011-10-11T11:39:00.002+01:00

Cable theft coming an increasing problem for Network Rail and train operators across the UK. Incidents of cable theft cause huge disruption and inconvenience. In addition, they can result in a significant loss of productivity, with thousands of people late for work and meetings. So it is not just passengers and the rail industry that are disadvantaged – businesses and the economy suffer too. Train operators including NXEA, and Network Rail are working together and in coordination with the British Transport Police to try and both prevent such problems and mitigate their effects.

Furthermore, all players in the rail industry are collaborating to try and secure a change to legislation to increase the penalties on criminals found guilty of stealing the cables and make it more difficult for scrap metal merchants to trade in stolen metal. Measures being called for include:

• a new licensing scheme with rigorous requirements relating to identification and quarantine of metals received;

• restrictions to cash transactions;

• significant penalties for non compliance with direct links to proceeds of crime legislation; and

• powers for the police to close premises that breach conditions and seize assets.

The ERUF supports this initiative and will be campaigning for the law to be changed.

Your Thoughts On Fare Increases Wanted

2011-10-10T12:52:00.002+01:00

Keo Films is making a programme for BBC1 to be broadcast in January to coincide with the fare increases. They are very keen to make contact with as many rail passengers as possible so they can record your experiences, monitor rail performance by both the train operators and Network Rail.

They are looking for people who are willing to take part in this nationwide experience. If you are interested please email emily.wallis@keofilms.com and they will be in touch.

NXEA Successor To Be Dutch?

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000+01:00

There are reports in the media that the successor to NXEA will be the Dutch company, Abellio. The Department for Transport has declined to comment but an announcement is due this month. A short 29 month franchise running from next February is being bid for the Greater Anglian area and a permanent 15 year contract could follow if the line is well managed. As well as Abellio, Stagecoach and Go-Ahead are bidding for the franchise.

Leaf Fall Timetable Commences

2011-10-03T13:49:00.002+01:00

Today sees the commencement of the Leaf Fall Timetable. Certain train times will be altered to take into account the possible effect of fallen leaves on the line. Passengers are advised to check train times before traveling

Increase In The Number Of "SPADS" By NXEA

2011-09-07T10:08:00.001+01:00

It is being reported that NXEA has brought in industry experts to review safety measures after an increase in the number of trains that passed red signals. The number of Signals Passed At Danger (SPADS) had been running at about one per million train miles in 2005 - 2009 but this number dropped to only nine in 2010. However the number is creeping up again this year prompting the safety review.

The vast majority of incidents happened as trains passed the signals by only a few feet, often because of slippery rail conditions. However, every incident is logged and investigated fully.

The Halcrow Group, commissioned by NXEA to carry out a review of procedures, found that "NXEA is implementing a number of initiatives and Halcrow considers these to be setting the benchmark against which industry good practice is measured."

Ticket Office Closures

2011-09-05T13:43:00.000+01:00

It is being reported that one in four tickets offices in England and Wales are facing closure. The TSSA union said the list appears in a report drawn up by Sir Roy McNulty on how to achieve savings in the railway industry but is 'buried' in the small print and does not appear in the Executive Summary. The stations in Essex that face losing their ticket offices are as follows:

Alresford
Chafford Hundred
Dovercourt
East Tilbury
Elsenham
Frinton-on-Sea
Great Bentley
Harlow Mill
Harwich International
Newport (Essex)
Ockendon
Prittlewell
Roydon
Rye House
Sawbridgeworth
Shoeburyness
St Margarets (Hertfordshire)
Stansted Mountfitchet
Thorpe-Le-Soken
Waltham Cross
Walton-On-Naze
West Horndon
Wivenhoe

ERUF is of the opinion that such a strategy would probably cost the railways more in fare evasion and people not being able to find the information/ticket they need and therefore making alternative travel arrangements, than this measure would save

NXEA Now On Twitter

2011-08-30T16:08:00.002+01:00

National Express East Anglia now has official Twitter account. Follow them at @NXEastAnglia

Season Ticket Prices - How Much?

2011-08-22T14:14:00.001+01:00

The Essex Rail Users Federation has compiled a table that shows the percentage of gross salary the new season ticket prices in north Essex will be. If you would like a copy please email us at info@eruf.org

Season Ticket Prices to Go Up by 8%

2011-08-16T09:41:00.001+01:00

The government today confirmed the July RPI figure of 5%. Season ticket prices are set to go up by RPI + 3 which means an increase of 8% in January.

National Express Profits Increase

2011-07-29T08:41:00.001+01:00

National Express has seen profits from its regional rail operations rise by £11m this year. The group which runs trains on the C2C franchise out of Fenchurch Street as well as the NXEA operation said operating profits from its UK rail division rose from £16.1m in the first half of 2010 to £27.1m in the first six months of this year.

The group credited the tight control of costs, the “relatively stronger economies of London and the South East”, and increasing rail revenues - up by 8pc to £335.1m - for the rise in profits.

NXEA Launch iPhone App

2011-07-25T13:32:00.001+01:00

National Express East Anglia NXEA has launched an iPhone App to enable passengers to check for up to date information whilst on the move. The application shows the same 'rainbow board' that is on the NXEA website and users can drill down for further information.

The App is available free of charge via iTunes.

Southend Airport Station Opens

2011-07-18T11:47:00.000+01:00

Today at last sees the opening of a new station serving Southend Airport. Although the station has been ready for sometime, red tape has delayed the official opening. Interestingly, despite the station opening today there is no mention of it on the NXEA website and it appears that you cannot buy tickets online that serve the station.

ERUF Committee Meet With Essex MPs

2011-07-12T12:30:00.001+01:00

Members of the ERUF committee met up with four Essex MPs last night at Westminster to discuss the letting of the new Greater Anglia franchise. These were Priti Patel, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Bob Russell and Brooks Newmark.

The ERUF committee were anxious to convey a message to the government that we did not want a repeat of the underfunded National Express franchise which has resulted in some of the lowest passenger satisfaction levels in the country. Essex rail services are some of the most profitable in the country so rail users deserve a much better service than they are currently getting.

ERUF committee members have already met with representatives of the three companies bidding for the franchise to replace National Express East Anglia, to highlight the areas where passengers expect to see improvements.

Passengers Dissatisfied With Train Punctuality And Value For Money

2011-06-29T15:24:00.002+01:00

The number of passengers in the UK satisfied with train punctuality and reliability has gone down with National Express East Anglia (NXEA) second from bottom out of all UK train companies. Satisfaction overall has dropped from 82% to 80% with NXEA scoring 78%. Hull Trains came top with an overall satisfaction level of 95%.

The survey was carried out by Passenger Focus and involved more than 32,000 passengers across the country.

Services Disrupted By Heat

2011-06-27T10:49:00.001+01:00

Network Rail and National Express East Anglia are warning of cancellations and disruption due to the hot weather affecting the overhead wires. Passengers are advised to check the National Express website for updates before travelling.

'Rip-Off' Fares

2011-05-20T10:05:00.003+01:00

A special investigation carried out by the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT) has found that fares on National Express East Anglia are considerably higher than comparable journeys in other parts of the UK. The EADT has worked out that NXEA customers pay pay 50p-per-mile at peak times on the Ipswich to Liverpool Street service, against South Eastern (33p), South West Trains (43p) and Chiltern Railways (45p) for comparable journeys into London.

For full details go to the EADT website.

ERUF Meets With Franchise Bidders

2011-05-19T10:17:00.000+01:00

Members of the ERUF Committee are meeting with each of the three bidders for the new Greater Anglia franchise to discuss requirements for the rail service in Essex. The three bidders are Abellio, Go Ahead and Stagecoach and the winner will replace National Express East Anglia as provider of rail services for the region.

Tube Strikes Cancelled

2011-05-10T13:16:00.000+01:00

The RMT has announced that the tube strikes planned for the coming weeks have been cancelled.

Whilst again the cancellation of these strikes is to be welcomed this appears to be a tactic much used by the RMT now. Cause disruption by threatening strikes only to call them off at the last moment, so the history books will show that no strike took place.

Tube Strikes Announced

2011-05-05T10:13:00.002+01:00

The RMT has announced dates for intended stikes on the tube as follows:

16 to 17 May: 2101 - 1159
18 to 19 May: 1200 - 115
20 May: 1200 - 2100
13 to 14 June: 2101 - 1159
15 to 16 June: 1200 - 1159
17 June: 1200 - 2100

The strikes are in reponse to two driver being sacked although the reasons for the sackings are unclear at the moment.

As is often the case with RMT industrial action, the decision to strike has been taken based on a majority of the 29% of tube drivers who actually voted. It must be hoped therefore that as the vast majority of drivers didn't even bother to vote there may be a service of sorts running.

National Express Lose Franchise

2011-03-24T10:13:00.000Z

The following is an extract from an announcement by the Department for Transport:

"SHORTLISTED BIDDERS FOR GREATER ANGLIA FRANCHISE

The Department for Transport has today announced the names of the companies shortlisted to bid for the new Greater Anglia franchise.

They are:

Abellio Greater Anglia Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
Eastern Railway Limited (Go-Ahead Group PLC)
Stagecoach Anglia Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)

Today's short listing comes after the Government published requirements for franchise, seeking expressions of interest.

The Invitation to Tender for the Greater Anglia franchise will be issued in April.

The Government has set out the following objectives for the franchise:

Delivering a quality of service for passengers for the entire rail journey.
Working with the Department and other stakeholders to ensure value for money.
Managing and delivering changes required to accommodate Crossrail.
Implementing the station responsibilities if required.
Working effectively with Network Rail to maintain performance.
Delivering the plans around the Olympics.
Managing the introduction of the Class 379 HLOS vehicles.
Controlling operational costs and maximising revenue."

The current National Express East Anglia (NXEA) franchise will run until 5th February 2012.

New Franchise Shortlist To Be Announced

2011-03-24T08:50:00.002Z

Today will see the announcement by the DfT detailing who is on the shortlist to run the next east Anglian rail franchise currently run by National Express East Anglia (NXEA) and due to expire in February 2012.

As the government are still reviewing the whole franchise process the next franchise will be very short - 18 months to 2 years - so it will be interesting to see who will be going to the considerable expense of bidding. It is expected that the following franchise will be 15 years so some may apply for the shorter franchise in the hope of getting their foot in the door for the real prize of the 15 year franchise.

Channel 4 Dispatches

2011-03-21T12:26:00.002Z

A few weeks later than originally advertised but tonight's Dispatches programme (Channel 4 at 8pm) is about the state of Britain's railways. Previews suggest it will be worth watching....

"National Express will continue to deliver superior customer service and performance"

2011-03-07T09:31:00.000Z

An interesting quote attributed to John Devaney, Chairman of National Express: "National Express will continue to deliver superior customer service and performance.....while we are leading the industry's investment to reduce commuter overcrowding, in partnership with the Dft"

Perhaps not a feeling shared on the ground....

NXEA & BTP Crackdown On Anti-Social Behaviour

2011-02-16T16:15:00.000Z

British Transport Police (BTP) and National Express East Anglia (NXEA) have relaunched their joint initiative known as Safer Travel to combat anti-social behaviour on trains and stations in the Colchester, Clacton and Ipswich areas.

Staff have been enforcing railway bylaws to crackdown on unacceptable behaviour such as: Abuse or harassment of staff; illegal smoking; feet on seats; playing loud music; being drunk or under the influence of drugs and not having a valid ticket.

The campaign by BTP and NXEA is designed to send out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

CPRE Leads Legal Efforts Over Railway Litter At Clacton

2011-02-14T14:01:00.000Z

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) headed up by the author Bill Bryson is planning legal action against Network Rail in an attempt to get litter removed from certain railway sites, including Clacton-on-Sea. The CPRE plans to use Litter Abatement Orders (LAO) to make Network Rail clean up certain specific sites.

Mr Bryson said: "Network Rail has a legal obligation to clean litter and, in most places, as far as I can see, it's not just they don't do it often enough - they don't do it at all."

Network Rail responded in a statement saying "As one of Britain's biggest landowners we remove thousands of tonnes of litter every year. If reported by the public, we aim to remove litter within 20 days.

"Our dedicated maintenance teams regularly remove litter as part of their day-to-day responsibilities and we work closely with our contractors and projects to keep the areas in which they are working free of litter."

Many would probably disagree with the assertion that litter is regularly cleared and although the CPRE has targeted Clacton specifically the problem exists all over the region.

Unreliable Wi-Fi?

2011-02-10T14:34:00.000Z

A quick reminder to those experiencing problems with the Wi-Fi connectivity on London - Norwich services. The Wi-Fi is specifically designed not to work in the Quiet Carriage(s) for obvious reasons.

'Meet The Manager'

2011-02-09T17:58:00.001Z

A note for the diary. There will be 'Meet The Manager' sessions at stations throughout the year. This is an opportunity for passengers to meet with senior managers from National Express East Anglia. Dates as follows:

05/03/11 Harold Wood
12/04/11 Rayleigh
19/04/11 Witham
02/05/11 Shenfield
10/05/11 Stratford
17/05/11 Manningtree
03/06/11 Liverpool Street
21/06/11 Marks Tey
10/07/11 Wickford
19/07/11 Clacton
02/08/11 Colchester
04/08/11 Stratford
07/08/11 South Woodham Ferrers
16/08/11 Chelmsford
30/08/11 Ingatestone
05/09/11 Billericay
19/09/11 Liverpool Street
27/09/11 Ipswich
04/10/11 Braintree
18/10/11 Wivenhoe
20/10/11 Romford
06/11/11 Rochford
10/11/11 Stratford
05/12/11 Ilford
06/12/11 Liverpool Street
08/02/12 Stratford
15/02/12 Brentwood
07/03/12 Liverpool Street

Exact times will be advertised locally.

Reports of Unreliable Wi-Fi on NXEA Inter City Services

2011-02-08T11:09:00.002Z

Some passengers are reporting that the much publicised Wi-Fi service introduced by National Express East Anglia on its Inter City services last week is proving to be at best unreliable with it occasionally not working at all. What is your experience of the service? Let us know at info@eruf.org

'Bread and Buffers' Closes For The Last Time

2011-02-07T11:59:00.000Z

Bread and Buffers, the station buffet at Billericay, has closed it's doors for the last time. As part of the £1.4 million redevelopment of the station by National Express East Anglia, agreement could not be reached on accommodating the business which has been serving Billerciay customers for eighteen years.

Owners Hugh and Nadia McMahon had taken a 3,000 signature petition to Downing Street alongside local MP John Baron last October in the hope of saving the shop. However lawyers were brought in and sadly the business has had to close.

Trains 'On Time' Record Challenged

2011-02-03T16:38:00.002Z

Passenger Focus, the rail passengers' watchdog, has called on train companies to review the way they report punctuality after a study found that passengers' experience of delays was different to official records. As has been pointed out by many passengers on the Great Eastern mainline, trains may be late at stations along a route but make up sufficient time to arrive at the end of the journey according to the timetable - the train is therefore reported as having been 'on time'. Most passengers commuting home in the evening leave the train before it reaches its final destination and can be late although the train goes on to reach its final destination on time.

Passenger Focus said the findings of a study it conducted among passengers on National Express East Anglia (along with Northern Rail and CrossCountry) had prompted it to call on the rail industry as a whole to review how it records train times, including punctuality along the route.

This is particularly relevant to NXEA passengers, some of whom have been in dispute with the company when making Delay Repay claims only to be told that the train arrived at its final destination on time and was therefore not delayed. A train can be delayed only ten minutes along its route to ensure a connection is missed leading to far longer overall delays to passengers' journeys.

WiFi Facilities Now Available On NXEA Inter City Services

2011-02-02T10:57:00.002Z

WiFi is now available on National Express East Anglia Services between Norwich and London. Jointly funded by the East Of England Development Agency and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils to the tune of £346,000 the service will be free to first class passengers. There will be a charge of £2.95 per session for Standard Class passengers with monthly and annual discounts available.

Channel 4 Dispatches - Update

2011-02-01T14:03:00.002Z

Further to the earlier post about the Channel 4 programme Dispatches looking for contributions from passengers highlighting the much publicised complaints about late or cancelled services, overcrowding, filthy trains etc. more information can be found at http://www.channel4.com/trains

6:22pm Liv St To Clacton - The UK's Most Crowded Train

2011-02-01T12:21:00.001Z

Department for Transport data shows that the 6:22pm service from Liverpool Street to Clacton was the most over capacity service in the UK in the evening rush hour. The snapshot reveals that 262 people had to stand on the service.

The figures are taken from the autumn of 2009, before recent increases in the number of carriages by NXEA, as more recent data is considered commercially sensitive. However it is still quite a shocking statistic.

Rail Travel At Highest Peacetime Level Since 1928

2011-01-31T10:40:00.002Z

A report form the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) says that rail travel is now at its highest peacetime level since 1928. The number of train journeys reached 1.3bn in 2010. ATOC claims this is down to the rising cost of motoring and perhaps surprisingly good service and attractive pricing!

Overall the proportion of the population using the train has actually decreased with the amount of usable track having more than halved since the heyday of the 1920s.

Channel 4 Dispatches - Looking For Feedback On Rail Services

2011-01-28T11:06:00.000Z

Channel Four's Dispatches are making a documentary about Britain’s train services. They are investigating the reasons behind highly publicised complaints including delayed and cancelled services, confusing pricing, poor public information, over-crowding, dirty trains and above-inflation increases in fares.

Over the next four weeks they are asking people from all over the country to send them their phone footage and videos. They would like to see clips showing what train services are like, telling them your stories and sharing your views.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in participating in then please keep an eye on their website for more detail on how to take part.

Customer Satisfaction With NXEA Still Low

2011-01-26T10:40:00.002Z

In a report out today overall customer satisfaction with the service provided by National Express East Anglia is shown to be the second worst in the country. The survey by Passenger Focus shows that 79% of passengers were satisfied with the service. Only First Capital Connect scored lower with 76%. Despite this poor showing there is actually a 2% improvement on the previous set of figures.

Franchise Update

2011-01-25T11:37:00.002Z

The National Express East Anglia franchise has been further extended to February 2012. The government has made it clear it wishes to review the whole franchising system and it is likely that any future franchises will be for a longer period than currently awarded - a length of 15 years is being mentioned. This is to encourage the train operating companies to invest properly in the railway they are responsible for. Current franchises typically run for 7 years or so which is not long enough for companies to necessarily see the benefits of their investment, so they don't do it to the extent that perhaps they should.

So, in a rather bizarre move it seems that the government will be going out to tender for the new Greater Anglia franchise which will run from February 2012 to the summer of 2013. Such a short franchise is being considered to give the Department for Transport sufficient time to define the future of franchising so that a longer such arrangement can be tendered to run beyond 2013.

It is unlikely of course that there will be many bidders - other than National Express - for the franchise to summer 2013. There is significant expense in putting together a bid and most companies are likely to wait until the 'main' franchise to run from summer 2013 goes out to tender rather than bid for such a short franchise which will only run for just over a year.

Amendments To Timetable

2011-01-23T11:05:00.001Z

The NXEA website is saying there will be minor changes to the Norwich and Colchester line timetables by the end of January to correct 'teething problems' following the introduction of the new timetable in December.

NX Profits From Rail Highlighted In Private Eye

2011-01-13T08:47:00.002Z

An article in Private Eye highlights the bizarre thinking behind the rail franchising system - a system that supposedly ensures that the profits of train companies are not ring fenced. You may remember that National Express Group (NX) won the East Coast mainline franchise in 2007 by making unrealistic assumptions about growth. Instead of suffering the financial consequences of its recklessness NX dumped the business on tax payers in November 2009. Labour ministers at the time had said that any firm handing back a franchise would lose its other franchises by "cross default". This sounded good but proved to be, in the words of Private Eye, piffle. NX was not stripped of its two remaining franchises - C2C and National Express East Anglia (NXEA) - both of which are profitable. In the case of NXEA, the profits are enhanced by 'revenue support' i.e millions in tax payers' money.

Following on from the handing back of the East Coast franchise, NX UK rail profits rose by 544 percent in the first six months of 2010 and now the government has extended both C2C and NXEA franchises.

As Private Eye says, the lesson for future franchise bidders is clear: bid recklessly to win because franchising guarantees big, risk free rewards.

So, a 544% increase in profits? Something to bear in mind next time you purchase a ticket to travel on your filthy, overcrowded and more than likely, late train.

Season Ticket Prices

2011-01-06T13:59:00.002Z

Does anybody have details of season ticket prices over the past ten years or so? Interested to see how fares have increased over that period. Please email us at info@eruf.org

Overrunning Engineering Works Again

2011-01-04T07:02:00.001Z

Once again the return to work following the Christmas and New Year break is disrupted by overrunning engineering works and once again the communications in this regard by NXEA leave a lot to be desired.

National Express Retains C2C Franchise

2010-12-23T13:28:00.000Z

National Express has retained the right to run the C2C franchise until May 2013. The C2C franchise runs services out of Fenchurch Street to Tilbury, Southend and Shoeburyness and is regarded as one of the best run in the country, unlike its East Anglian cousin.

New Timetable - Reminder

2010-12-10T09:32:00.003Z

A reminder that the new timetable comes into force on Sunday. All Great Eastern mainline services are affected so it is advised that passengers familiarise themselves with the changes relevant to them.

Season Ticket Calculator

2010-12-07T14:09:00.000Z

A useful tool to work out the price of your next season ticket by clicking here.

(You may wish to sit down before using this)

Sudbury Branch Line Fares Easements

2010-12-07T10:16:00.000Z

The new user group representing the Sudbury branch line has managed to secure the following easements from NXEA to the new timetable as follows:

"FARES EASEMENTS IN NEW TIMETABLE FOR NETWORK CARD HOLDERS

NXEA HAVE AGREED THAT FROM 13TH DECEMBER, THE 10am RESTRICTION ON NETWORK CARDS WILL BE RELAXED FOR BRANCH PASSENGERS.

NETWORK CARD REDUCTIONS WILL BE VALID ON THE 08.55 SERVICE FROM SUDBURY (inc BURES & CHAPPEL) + CONNECTIONS WEEKDAYS

SUBJECT TO USUAL MINIMUM FARE RULES

NETWORK CARDS REMAIN VALID AT ANYTIME WEEKENDS AND BANK HOLIDAYS

EVENING PEAK RELAXATION FOR SUDBURY BRANCH PASSENGERS

FROM 13th DECEMBER, PASSENGERS FOR SUDBURY, BURES & CHAPPEL HOLDING OFF PEAK TICKETS CAN TRAVEL ON THE 18.12 SERVICE FROM LONDON (18.20 STRATFORD).

THE 17.08 FROM LONDON REMAINS A PEAK TRAIN"

Follow the Sudbury user group on Twitter at @thesudburyline

NXEA To Seek To Retain Franchise

2010-12-06T07:03:00.002Z

In an article in the Financial Times it is reported that National Express (NX) will not be bidding for the big inter city franchises, including the lucrative West Coast Mainline franchise, as they come up for renewal in the next couple years. NX will be concentrating however on retaining their last two remaining franchises - NXEA and C2C.

A source is quoted as saying "We’re not interested in intercity franchises; we need to prove ourselves with C2C and East Anglia and use them to win back political confidence”

National Express is trying to restore its reputation following its decision to relinquish the contract to run the London to Edinburgh rail service last year.

It is likely that NX will have to compete to keep its franchises as the government is thought to be putting the current NXEA franchise on a short term contract as a test case for the proposed new way of franchising. Other possible changes to perhaps be tested by the government include longer, 15-20 year franchises to encourage investment in stations and new trains, and a restructuring of the revenue sharing between train operators and the government. The review, which has been welcomed by the industry, is an attempt to shore up the rail franchise system, under fire since the East Coast main line was temporarily renationalised last November following NX handing it back.

Christmas Services Affected By Engineering Work

2010-11-30T14:01:00.001Z

On bank holidays Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December a base Sunday timetable will operate.

Due to all lines being closed between Liverpool Street and Ilford for engineering work the following train service alterations apply for journeys between Liverpool Street, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and branches:

No trains will operate between Liverpool Street and Ilford. Passengers are to use TfL Central Line services between Liverpool Street, Stratford and Newbury Park. Connecting rail-replacement bus services will operate from Newbury Park to Ingatestone.

Mainline services will operate from Shenfield (interchange for Metro and Southend services) to Ingatestone (interchange for rail-replacement bus service to/from Newbury Park), Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, Ipswich and Norwich.

Wednesday 29, Thursday 31 and Friday 31 December

Due to a partial line closure between Bethnal Green and Stratford for engineering work (all trains run via platforms 5 and 8 at Stratford) a revised train service will operate between Liverpool Street and Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and branches.

Morning Peak (07:00-10:00) and Evening Peak (16:00-19:00):

Intercity services will operate between Norwich and Liverpool Street; hourly in the morning peak and half-hourly in the evening peak.

Mainline services will operate between Ipswich, Clacton and Colchester to Liverpool Street (6 trains per hour).

Braintree services will operate to/from Witham, Sudbury services will operate to/from Marks Tey, Walton services will operate to/from Colchester via Colchester Town, Harwich Town services will operate to/from Manningtree.

Off Peak (before 07:00, 10:00-16:00, and after 19:00):

Intercity services will operate half-hourly between Norwich and Liverpool Street (hourly early morning / late evening).

Mainline services will operate between Ipswich, Clacton and Colchester Town and Braintree to Liverpool Street (as per Saturday timetable but with minor retimings).

Sudbury services will operate to/from Marks Tey, Walton services will operate to/from Colchester via Colchester Town, Harwich Town services will operate to/from Manningtree.

Possible Monthly Charge For WiFi?

2010-11-30T13:58:00.003Z

An article published by ZDNet suggests that there may be a monthly charge of £19 for Standard Class passengers intending to use WiFi on London - Norwich services. NXEA has so far only announced that the service will be free to First Class passengers and that Standard Class passengers will have to pay £2.95 a journey. A £2.95 charge per journey makes it a very expensive exercise for regular users.

£19 per month would certainly be better value but is still considerably more than some service providers are charging. The ERUF will continue to press for this to be a free service for all as is the case on National Express coaches..

Train Crash Tanker Driver Jailed For 15 Months

2010-11-26T12:03:00.000Z

The tanker driver responsible for the serious derailment of a train on the Sudbury branch line in August has been jailed for 15 months. Arvydas Bartasius, a Lithuanian living in Ely, had pleaded guilty to endangering safety when he crossed the tracks without first seeking permission from the signalman. The NXEA train was travelling between 50mph and 60mph when it struck the tanker, injuring 22 people. Bartasius was also banned from driving for three years.

Tube Strike - 29th November

2010-11-26T09:53:00.002Z

A reminder that the RMT and TSSA unions have called a strike on the Tube starting on the evening of Sunday 28 November. If the strike goes ahead, disruption to Tube services is likely all day Monday 29 November, with services returning to normal on Tuesday 30 November.

TFL will run as many Tube services as possible, but some lines will have a restricted service and some stations will be closed.

Please check before you travel, and use an alternative route or method of transport if possible. Visit the TFL strike page for more detailed information.

NXEA Gets A Mention In 'Private Eye'

2010-11-25T10:09:00.002Z

NXEA gets a mention in the Dr B Ching column of the latest Private Eye magazine, highlighting the double standards applied by the company in the paying of fares / fines.

Referring to the Delay Repay scheme the article explains how, when rail or rail replacement bus services are delayed, passengers can obtain and fill in a form to apply, by post only, for compensation for delays exceeding 30 minutes. NXEA aims to respond within 15 days.

However, the NXEA guide to penalty fares states "you will be requested to pay the full amount by the authorised collector at the time the penalty fare is charged".

So basically when a passenger gets it wrong they have to pay up immediately but if NXEA gets it wrong compensation can take weeks to arrive.

NXEA WiFi To Cost £2.95

2010-11-24T09:56:00.001Z

Many will be disappointed to hear that NXEA will be charging for their WiFi service when introduced on London - Norwich services. Whilst free to first-class passengers, others will have to pay £2.95 per journey. Regular users will see themselves paying over £1,300 a year!

As mentioned in an earlier article here the system is being installed thanks to a grant of £346,000 from the EEDA and Suffolk and Norfolk county councils.

It will be interesting to see what the take up will be for something that should surely be a free service.

Train Fares To Increase By Average Of 6.2%

2010-11-23T12:50:00.000Z

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has provided figures indicating that fares will increase by an average of 6.2% in the new year. Regulated fares which include season tickets will go up by an average of 5.8% but some increases could be as high as 10.8%.

Regulated fares are tied to an annual price cap formula meaning fares can increase each January only by the previous July's RPI inflation rate plus 1%. Hence the 5.8% average rise for 2011. However, companies are able to put up some fares by more than 5% as long as other fares decrease at the same rate. Precise details of NXEA fares are not known at this stage.

In January 2012, passengers will have to dig even deeper into their pockets when the annual price rise formula changes to RPI plus 3% across the national network.

NXEA Announce Customer Service Investment

2010-11-23T05:44:00.000Z

In what will be seen by some as a tacit acknowledgement that trains are in a pretty poor state, that customer service often falls short of expectations and to perhaps soften the blow of the significant fare increases that are imminent, NXEA has announced a range of measures to improve things as follows:

20 additional cleaning staff to improve presentation and cleaning on board trains and between journeys
A new cleaning team improving exterior presentation of trains, complementing NXEA’s additional investment of £2m in new carriage washers at Ilford and Orient Way train maintenance depots
An enhanced station cleaning programme for NXEA’s London stations and other key stations
Improvements in communication and engagement with customers led by the recruitment of a new Customer Information Manager and welcome hosts at key stations including, London Liverpool Street, Cambridge, Colchester, Ely, Ipswich, Norwich and Witham
Provision of free weekend travel for partners of NXEA annual season-ticket holders
Production of a new Commuter News publication for season-ticket holders and enhanced at-seat breakfast service for First Class customers on the 07.10 and 07.40 Intercity services from Norwich
Senior Citizens 2-for-1 travel offer on Wednesdays in the New Year

The ERUF will continue to press for the reinstatement of the texting service that is seen by many as key to improving customer communications.

Sunday Service to Colchester Town

2010-11-22T05:19:00.000Z

National Express East Anglia are once again introducing a Sunday service to Colchester Town during the run up to Christmas. The services will run on the 5th, 12th and 19th December starting at 10:50 and running hourly until 18:50.

Network Rail Criticised By NXEA

2010-11-19T06:57:00.000Z

Andrew Chivers, Managing Director of National Express East Anglia, has written to local MPs criticising the performance of Network Rail, saying that its progress in reducing delays caused by infrastructure problems in the last seven years had been "minor" when compared to NXEA's record in tackling delays caused by train faults. Passengers have suffered from long delays recently as a consequence of overrunning maintenance work.

As well as over-running engineering work last week, Mr Chivers said it had also emerged that “some of the additional infrastructure problems on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted from sub-standard installation of equipment during the same weekend engineering work programme”. “Network Rail have already carried out an initial investigation, which suggests that the key causes of the problems related to poor project management, inadequate programme preparation and unsatisfactory real time delivery of the works by the contractors...,” Mr Chivers said. “They are taking steps to ensure that better planning and monitoring of such schemes is in place for future projects.

“We have acted quickly to raise our concerns with the Network Rail Route Director, Andrew Munden. In addition, our group chief executive Dean Finch has also met personally with the Network Rail Chairman, Rick Haythornthwaite, to emphasise just how damaging such disruption is for our passengers and to highlight our wider discontent that the rate of performance improvement and overall punctuality standards being achieved by Network Rail on the Great Eastern Mainline are not acceptable. Their progress in reducing infrastructure-related delays over the last seven years has been minor in comparison to the major reduction we have achieved in delays caused by train faults.”

He added that National Express East Anglia had also appointed a manager to work at the joint control centre in London, and would co-locate teams at Network Rail depots to increase the urgency in Network Rail’s decision-making and create a “greater focus on passengers’ needs”.

Whilst the Essex Rail Users Federation welcomes this public criticism by NXEA of the services provided by Network Rail there is concern too that NXEA's handling of these problems can be handled so much better. Improved communications, including the reintroduction of a text alerting service and better use of the NXEA website, are essential.

Kelvedon Commuter Swaps The Trains For A Car

2010-11-10T13:07:00.000Z

The new December timetable being introduced by National Express East Anglia has persuaded Maureen Browning to give up on the railways and commute by road instead. The new timetable sees the number of trains to Chelmsford calling at Kelvedon drop from four to two. The only alternative for Mrs Browning is to catch a train and change at Witham, effectively doubling her journey time.

Dissatisfied with the response from NXEA to her concerns, Mrs Browning has purchased a second hand car and has calculated that she will be spending about the same on fuel as she would have done on fares.

Mrs Browning got a reply from Essex County Council which said: “The original intention in the timetable was to provide through services at 0743 and 0815. However, Network Rail has not consented to these services stopping at Kelvedon as the power supply for the route is insufficient to accommodate all the additional services to be operated.”

Another indication that the infrastructure on the Great Eastern Mainline is not up to the job.

Witham MP Criticises NXEA in Parliament

2010-11-03T10:25:00.001Z

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, secured a debate in parliament entitled "The Performance of National Express East Anglia" which took place yesterday. Sadly only one other MP was was present (One Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole) but Ms Patel took the opportunity to list her constituents' concerns which included:

The fact that the Great eastern mainline is one of the busiest in the country but is only single track in each direction and the overall poor condition of the infrastructure, including the 50 year old overhead wires. (Not actually the responsibility of NXEA but certainly worthy of a mention)
The proposed loss of certain services for Witham and Kelvedon passengers in the new December timetable.
The exhorbitant fares endured by passengers and the prospect of considerable increases.

Ms Patel also took up the plight of Nigel Clark whose refreshment business is under threat following the refurbishment of Marks Tey station. She revealed that she has written to the Prime Minister and Rail Minister about his plight and has also handed in a 700 signature petition calling for his stall to be retained.

The Rail Minister, Theresa Villiers responded to Ms Patel's points by defending NXEA's overall performance of 90.9% of services running on time as opposed to the 62% of services to London and 48% of services from London as claimed by Ms Patel based on figures provided by Passenger Focus. Mrs Villiers also mentioned that 70% of delays were down to infrastructure problems and were not the responsibility of National Express. An extensive programme of renewal work was underway to replace the overhead wires but this would not be completed until 2012. The Rail Minister also revealed that her department had intervened in the summer when NXEA was experiencing problems with its fleet by ensuring additional engineers were on hand to assist.

Mrs Villiers assured Ms Patel that she would be keeping a close eye on the future performance of NXEA.

It was disappointing to note however that no other Essex MPs were present at this debate.

Sudbury Train Crash - Tanker Driver Pleads Guilty

2010-11-01T09:50:00.000Z

The tanker driver involved in the derailment of a train on the Sudbury - Marks Tey branch on 17th August has pleaded guilty of endangering safety on the railway. 22 people were injured when the 17:31 service from Sudbury to Marks Tey was in collision with the tanker which was blocking the track.

Arvydas Bartasius, 38, of Hawthorn Close, Ely, Cambridgeshire, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court. He will return to court on 26th November for sentencing.

UK Rail Network 'At Risk' From Global Warming

2010-10-22T11:08:00.003+01:00

In a report in the quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology scientists suggest that the UK rail network is at risk from global warming. The scientists from the University of Southampton and Network Rail studied the number of landslides and floods that resulted in delays to rail travel of more than eight hours. They found that the frequency of these major incidents was far higher during the wet winter of 2000-2001, when rail passengers experienced widespread travel disruption.

Scientists predict that such wet winters will become more common in the future, raising fears that climate change could result in "travel chaos".

In a separate study, Network Rail engineers have concluded that half of the UK's railway cuttings and embankments were in "poor" or "marginal" condition leaving them prone to landslides.

One of the most 'at risk' areas is the south east of England where much of the rail network is built on soft clay which is particularly prone to landslides. The Great Eastern mainline has often suffered from movement due to this soft clay and the Harwich branch has been closed on more than one occasion following the tracks and overhead catenary moving.

Spending Review - Impact On Rail

2010-10-21T13:40:00.002+01:00

Following on from yesterday's spending review announced by the government there is a mixture of good and bad news for Essex passengers.

On the positive side the government have confirmed that Crossrail will go ahead. This will provide a greatly enhanced service for those who wish to travel across London and should take some pressure off existing services.

On the negative side from 2012 regulated fares are to increase by RPI+3. Currently fare increases are capped at RPI+1. The precise impact of these increases will not be known until 2011 when the then current rate of inflation can be incorporated into the equation. Whatever the eventual answer, the UK will continue to have the most expensive rail fares in Europe and it may well be that passengers are forced into their cars as a consequence.

National Express To Benefit Even More From High Fare Increases?

2010-10-20T09:30:00.002+01:00

A number of articles in the media are suggesting that the likely high increase in rail fares could benefit National Express (NX) even more with disgruntled rail passengers moving over to NX coach services instead. There has been much talk in the media of compound rises in rail fares of 40% by 2014 although this has perhaps understandably been played down by the government.

NX Coach services may not have an effect on commuter routes such as those between Essex and London which are regarded as something of a guaranteed market, but longer journeys may well see people move from train to coach.

National Express yesterday reported that it was on target to meet full-year profit forecasts, with analysts expecting a pre-tax profit of more than £153m. Last year NX reported a pre-tax loss of £83.5m as it struggled with debts of more than £1bn, three attempted takeover bids and losing the prestigious east coast rail franchise.

Evening Delays On 13th October

2010-10-14T10:40:00.002+01:00

National Express East Anglia are reporting that the significant delays suffered yesterday evening were due to a "line-side fire caused by criminal damage in the Brentwood area".

North Fambridge Station Wins Award

2010-10-13T16:47:00.000+01:00

North Fambridge station, renowned locally for its beautiful gardens, was named Best Small Station 2010 at the National Express East Anglia Adopter Station Awards. The ceremony was held at Ipswich Town Football Club where retired couple John and Win Wait received their award. Station adopters are local volunteers who work with National Express in improving the general appeal of stations in the region. Mr and Mrs Wait who live on site at North Fambridge station have been station adopters for six years and won a similar award a few years ago.

Billericay Station Buffet Petitions Downing Street

2010-10-12T18:31:00.000+01:00

The owners of Bread and Buffers, the snack bar at Billericay station, will be presenting a petition to Downing Street on Thursday. The 3,000 signature petition calls for Hugh and Nadia McMahon to be able to continue with their business after the planned £1.4 million revamp of Billericay station. Under the current plans Bread and Buffers will be knocked down to make way for a bigger ticket office. Mr and Mrs McMahon are asking for a suitable location to be provided during the rebuilding works and in the new station once completed.

Joining them on Thursday will be representatives from the Essex Federation of Small Businesses and Billericay MP John Baron.

Bread and Buffers has been operating at the station for eighteen years.

Commuters Faced With Significant Fare Rises

2010-10-08T13:27:00.000+01:00

A cross-party Transport Select Committee has warned that commuters face significant fare increases while other travellers face "unlimited" increases. Currently season tickets are capped at RPI + 1 which would see a fare rise of 5.8% in January. However as part of the imminent spending review the cap of RPI + 1 could be scrapped.

"I'm concerned that fares could rise up to 10%, [and] that some fares might not have any limit imposed on them at all," said the chair of the Transport Select Committee, Louise Ellman.

In addition to higher fares, plans for 2,000 new carriages across the UK have been put on hold which will lead to delays in providing extra capacity. On the Great Eastern mainline and outer suburban routes that serve north and east Essex, National Express East Anglia has obtained hand-me-down Class 321 trains from elsewhere which should go some way to reduce overcrowding but plans for new replacement trains on the London - Norwich route may now be some way off.

Marks Tey Coffee Seller Gets Offer Of Further 6 Month Extension

2010-10-04T10:59:00.002+01:00

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) have now offered Nigel Clark at Marks Tey station a six month extension to enable him to continue selling coffees etc. during the rebuilding works. Mr Clark's business will be located in a secure metal shed during this period. However, a number of legal issues need to be clarified before agreement on going forward can be reached. Longer term, NXEA will be going out to tender for the new retail unit that will be included in the refurbished station.

As previously mentioned here, Mr Clark had been threatened with eviction and some 700 commuters have signed a petition in support of him and local MP Priti Patel has raised her concerns in the House of Commons.

More Buses Laid On To Combat Tube Strike

2010-10-01T09:27:00.000+01:00

Transport for London (TfL) is to put on 100 extra buses to increase capacity during the tube strike scheduled to take place on Monday. TfL has also said that roadworks are being delayed and it will be organising marshalled taxi ranks and increasing capacity for approximately 10,000 more journeys on the River Thames.

For up to date information on the strike go to the TfL website.

Marks Tey Coffee Seller Gets Extra Fortnight

2010-09-30T16:32:00.000+01:00

Nigel Clark, the coffee seller faced with eviction from Marks Tey station has been given a two week reprieve to consider his options. Plans are in place to spend £2.4 million on refurbishing the station and National Express East Anglia want Mr Clark to move to a new pitch at the front of the station. This move would see his rent increase from £2,500 to £7,000 which he says he cannot afford. His notice to quit expired yesterday [Wednesday].

Some 700 commuters have signed a petition in support of Mr Clark and local MP Priti Patel has raised her concerns in the House of Commons.

She told MPs: “National Express has behaved disgracefully over Marks Tey station and shown complete contempt for local commuters. In recent months, it has made no effort to consult commuters and only now, on the eve of work beginning, has it bothered to send a few people out to showcase the plans, choosing to be there at a time which is inconvenient to many commuters.

“We’ve had to fight long and hard to get National Express to agree to allow Nigel to continue to sell newspapers and coffees to commuters while the work takes place, but after that, his future is uncertain."

A National Express East Anglia spokesman said: “We have sought to engage positively on this matter and will continue to do.”

Tube Strike Reminder

2010-09-30T09:20:00.002+01:00

A message from Transport for London:

"The RMT and TSSA unions plan strike action on the Tube. This will affect Tube services from early evening on Sunday 3 October and throughout Monday 4 October. Some lines may have a limited service and some stations may close. Please check before you travel on the day."

National Express East Anglia services are not affected although they may be busier towards London.