James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, is delivering his commuter survey at c2c train stations over the next coming weeks. The survey will allow James to gain a better understanding of the issues faced by commuters on a day-to-day basis, and the general satisfaction of users of the c2c line.
This comes after a number of weeks with regular delays and cancellations on the line, which resulted in a number of alternative arrangements such as replacement bus services being established. This has prompted calls from local commuters from improvements.
On Thursday Morning, James attended Thorpe Bay Train Station to hand out the surveys, which commuters are able to take away and complete. The aim is for the survey to be delivered at a different station along the c2c line each week.
James said,
"It was great talking to commuters at Thorpe Bay train station today and I very much look forward to meeting more commuters across the constituency over the coming weeks.
Reliable transport networks are essential to growth and productivity and as a regular commuter myself I know how important it is to have a fast and efficient train service at a reasonable price. Which is why I will continue to work closely with Julian Drury, the Managing Director of C2C, to share with him and the Government commuters concerns, whilst pushing for more 59 minute train services between Shoeburyness and London Fenchurch Street stations.”
The Government has committed itself to implementing the largest investment in railways since the Victorian times. Around £40 billion is set to be invested between 2014 and 2019, which will hugely benefit the millions of customers all over the country. These government investments will result in more trains, more seats and better stations.
In addition to this, the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, recently unveiled the Government's strategic vision for the railway network. This vision included plans to end the operational divide between track and train and changes to the franchising system, bringing an end the 'one-size-fits-all' approach to franchising. There are also many steps being taken to ensure those working on the railway will see staff reward linked to the success of the business to ensure staff is incentivised on delivering for passengers.
