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(Opinion Page)

I have just learned of the proposed introduction of this advertising medium planned by c2c

c2c claim to have 80 percent support for the introduction of these television sets (which apparently will include visual and sound advertising, news, weather reports and travel updates) but I know of no-one who was asked their views on this.

As c2c apparently believes nearly all its passengers/customers are in favour of these televisions, which are obviously being introduced to raise revenue for them, I would like to strongly say through your newspaper that I am totally opposed to them.

The time I spend on my journeys is for me to unwind quietly with a book and I have no wish to be bombarded with advertisements and their like. If i wish to watch the local news I do so in the comfort of my own home at a time of my choosing.

c2c has said it wishes to provide me with better travel information because this is the most requested thing after punctuality. This is of course true. However, what the passenger wants is proper information about when their train is coming and why it's delayed or cancelled BEFORE they get on the train. What we don't want is to be bombarded with useless information once we are trapped on it. Similarly, neither do we want or expect to have to listen to mobile phones and overload Walkmans absolutely everywhere on the train - after all these are not supposed to be permitted on the trains so it seems only fair to provide one area that's free of them, as part of the TV-free' zone provision.

So c2c please listen to your customers and give us the quiet carriages we are asking for.

Mary Lee
Wennington Road
Rainham.

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