Cancellations Caused By Staff Not Turning Up For Work

Reports in the media are suggesting that the significant number of cancellations today - over 40 - has been caused by staff simply not turning up for work. This is often one of the busiest weekends of the year but NXEA have had to cancel many trains for what was originally described as an 'operating incident'. However an NXEA spokeswoman later revealed the cause was down to 'unavailability of staff'.

Increased Offer For National Express

National Express (NX) has received an increased takeover offer from its largest shareholder. The improved offer from the Spanish Cosmen family, backed by buy-out firm CVC, reportedly values NX at nearly £700 million - a value close to that which the board is thought to place on the business.

However NX directors are thought to be still canvassing other shareholders on whether to follow up on on the offer or go it alone and pursue a £350 million rights issue of new shares as an alternative strategy for reducing its £977 million debt mountain.

Clacton Airshow

The following information has been provided by OnTrack regarding services for the Clacton Airshow:

"On Thursday 27 and Friday 28 Augus, the Clacton Airshow will take

place. Due to the large number of people expected to travel to Clacton

on these days, there will be alterations to local train services in the

Colchester to Clacton/Walton area. If travelling on these days, you

should check for timetable alterations. The main changes are as follows:

The 09.46, 10.46 and 11.46 services from Colchester (North) via

Colchester Town to Walton-on-the-Naze are diverted to run to Clacton;

connections will be available at Thorpe-le-Soken for Kirby Cross,

Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze.

An additional service will operate from Colchester (North) departing at

10.40 and calling at all stations (except Colchester Town) to Clacton.

The 10.45, 11.45 and 12.45 services from Walton-on-the-Naze to

Colchester are diverted to run from Thorpe-le-Soken to Clacton;

connecting services will be available at Thorpe-le-Soken for Colchester

(North) and stations to Liverpool Street and for all stations to

Colchester Town.

There are no alterations to the Liverpool Street to Clacton service.

The roads in the Clacton area are always very busy during the annual

airshows so, if you are intending to travel to Clacton, take the train

in order to avoid the traffic jams and parking problems."

Additional Services For Clacton Airshow

Additional services are being laid on by NXEA to accommodate the expected large crowds for the Clacton Airshow this Thursday (27th) and Friday (28th). Following on from discussions held between by ONTRACK, the Clacton & Walton rail user group, and NXEA these additional services also include trains running direct between Walton and Clacton.

Specific details are due to appear on the NXEA website.

Train Fares Set To Fall in 2010

Regulated rail fares including season tickets are set to fall by 0.4% next year after the Retail Price Index (RPI) - a key inflation indicator - was measured at -1.4% in July. Increase in regulated commuter fares are pegged to the RPI figure plus 1%.

In 2010 the rules on regulated fares will change, with most rail companies having the limit of RPI plus 1% imposed on them. Previously train operators have been allowed to increase individual regulated fares by as much as 6% over the RPI rate.

Specific details regarding NXEA fares will be announced in due course.

Extra Services for V Festival

Extra services are being laid on by NXEA on both Saturday the 22nd and Sunday 23rd August for the V Festival at Chelmsford. Details can be found on the NXEA website.

Bank Holiday Service Disruption

Passengers are advised to allow for longer journey times when travelling over the bank holiday weekend. Work on overhead lines, testing of new signalling equipment and ongoing work on the Stratford transport hub in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, means that the line will be closed between Liverpool Street and Stratford, Witham and Manningtree and Colchester Town.