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Relief as plug pulled on TVs for trains plan
Commuters get reprieve but c2c keen to revive project

By Gary Pearson - Southend Echo - 04/05/2005

A network of onboard televisions planned for c2c trains have been shelved.

The company's plans to introduce the scheme, including 360 TVs together with loudspeakers, will not proceed because its partner TNCI (UK) has stopped trading.

The project has attracted bitter opposition from travellers and commuters, who fear the TVs will lead to onboard noise problems.

The two firms teamed up to provide news, sports entertainment and real-time travel information on c2c carriages.

They planned quiet areas in each carriage for those commuters not interested in the project, which was hoped to be self-financing through advertising.

But now the proposals have collapsed and the trial equipment currently installed on one of c2c's trains, will be withdrawn.

A c2c spokesman said "We regret that we are unable to continue with this initiative, especially as it would have delivered customer benefits such as real-time travel information.

"If it proves possible to find another partner we will endeavour to revive the project, all the while recognising the views of our customers and the experience gained over the last few months of trails."

Commuter Mark Williams, 33, from Leigh, said "Its a great relief. First of all these TVs would have been vandalised all the time. Second you want to chill out when catch the train not be subjected to television.

"It has just been more money wasting really. I would rather see them spend them spend it on improving the service."

He advised c2c would be better off installing earphones so people could choose whether or not they wanted to pay attention, if the firm ever considers re-introducing televisions.

Thurrock Rail Users' Group which has opposed the idea, said it is optimistic any new partnership will endeavour to take into account passenger comfort concerns.

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