September 2008
Issues discussed at the September meeting include:
Timetable Planning
The complex process for planning a timetable change was outlined by c2c including the lead time that is in excess of 12 months.
The key relationship is with Network Rail and there has to be agreement on the strategy for engineering possessions as well as acceptance of the basic rules governing journey times and route capacity.
With these established, there is then an iterative process in which the train operators bid for paths in the timetable and Network Rail respond to those bids.
In putting together its bid, c2c has to consider the resources available (trains and train crew), the costs of the operation, the likely revenue return, its franchise obligations and of course the views of stakeholders and customers.
Issues and ideas raised by the Panel for further consideration were:
- Leigh-on-Sea starters in the peak
- Eliminate 4-car trains
- Strengthened train formation for special events
- Late trains 2200 onwards on Thursday and Friday need review
- Option to turn back down peak services at Upminster
- Improve service Chafford - Southend after 2000 weekdays (either direction)
Use of intermediate stations like Laindon to 'loop' trains
Fares
The principles of the fares simplification process were outlined by c2c that in effect standardises ticket types and nomenclature across all the train operators.
Regulation has a significant impact on the fares that c2c is allowed to charge with all peak fares being regulated by the DFT.
Although off-peak fares are not regulated in the same way, they are influenced by the need to offer discounted travel to stimulate growth in passenger numbers at this time of day.
c2c fares within the Travelcard area match the LUL fares structure, allowing customers to use either service as far as Upminster, on the same ticket. This covers cash single and return fares, day or season Travelcards and Oyster Pay-as-you-Go (PAYG).
Issues raised by the Panel were:
- Price differences between c2c and NXEA (originating from period of poor performance on c2c at the start of privatisation)
- Oyster PAYG extension - more likely to be implementation of a national transport smartcard through future franchise commitments
- Better marketing and explanation of PlusBus tickets
Reintroduction of early-bird seasons - difficult as DfT will not allow c2c to balance these within a regulated basket of fares
Other Issues
- Pigeons at Upminster - new netting to be installed shortly
- Zero tolerance for feet on seats - diigitized on-train announcements in new scripts, but c2c does not have a bye-law to fine for this
- Smoking on stations - issues noted by c2c