Yellow Advertiser 3rd March 2005

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Laying it on the line for c2c's bosses -
SRA gets YA's 1,100 signature petition

Members of the YA news team went to Westminster this week to demand answers from the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) bosses about overcrowding on c2c services.

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith joined forces with YA staff, who handed in a 1,100 signature petition to SRA executives, responsible for authorising the removal of carriages from the c2c line in May last year.

In response to the petition, SRA director Paul McKie said the authority now accepts there may be a capacity issue on cd2c services at peak commuter times.

He added: "It seems from the petition that there is a capacity issue.

But we understand from c2c that it will return the carriages shortly.

c2c has been one of the best performers in the region for punctuality but this is obviously about capacity."

The lack of action by the rail regulator has angered MPs across Essex and Angela Smith demanded answers from SRA bosses, requesting a reply be sent to her office as soon as possible.

She added: " I want the Strategic Rail Authority to realise the seriousness of the situation facing commuters.

The Yellow Advertiser and its readers have mounted a vigorous campaign that deserves a positive response. The return of carriages cut from our local services must be restored - passengers pay for a service and deserve better."

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