January 2010

Issues discussed at the January meeting include:

Oyster PAYG

c2c reported a successful extension of Oyster PAYG to Grays on 2 January. Initial indications were of heavy use from these stations, despite the fact that as yet there are no facilities for top-up. This will be rectified in mid-February, with amendments to the S+B ticket vending machines. In the mean time, the three stations have a supply of pre-loaded Oyster Cards (£23 = £3 issue charge + £20 stored value) for sale from booking offices.

Oyster Extension Permits (OEPs) causing some concern for customers. These allow for pre-validation of PAYG cards for journeys that end in a zone beyond the normal validity. RPI’s are being urged to exercise some discretion where there is clearly confusion over use of these.

c2c also confirmed that the scheme would generate additional useful data on journey patterns through TfL.

Franchise Position

c2c explained the present position. DfT had announced that both c2c and NXEA franchises would expire at their expected dates (28.5.11 and 31.3.11 respectively). Prospective bidders were required to submit a pre-qualification questionnaire by early March, leading to a DfT announcement of shortlisted bidders on 23rd April. Invitations to Tender would be issued after the election, probably in late June, for return 3 months later. A decision on the new franchisee would be expected in January 2011.

The name ‘Essex Thameside’ was purely a working title for the procurement exercise. The c2c brand is owned by National Express, and therefore cannot be used without their consent.

c2c summarized their priorities for the final year of the franchise as:

• Maintaining the high standard of performance
• Completing refurbishment of the full train fleet (currently 16 out of 74 done)
• Keeping routes free from engineering possessions as much as possible
• Keeping up the morale of the workforce during the transition
• Completing planned station improvements (including NSIP and cycle schemes)