Many thanks to all who have sent in feedback on the new timetable. There has been a truly magnificent response to our request for views on the latest revision. Please keep them coming!
We shall be collating the responses and providing Feedback to to NXEA, Passenger Focus, The DfT and local MPs in the New Year.
Just to reiterate, all correspondence is treated in confidence.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Views Sought On New Timetable
Now that the new timetable is in operation the Manningtree Rail Users Association is keen to hear your views. Have the changes improved your journey or made things worse? Are you now able to get a seat where previously you had to stand? Email us with your views. All responses treated in confidence.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Dedham Vale Society To Oppose Possible Station Changes
The Dedham Vale Society has said that they will stand against any major work at Manningtree station that may enhance facilities for the less abled. The timetable changes due to come into effect on Sunday will mean that the vast majority of Harwich services will run as a shuttle between Harwich Town and Manningtree. This change has highlighted the need for better facilities for the less abled to move between platform 3 and platform 1. At present moving between platforms is only possible by negotiating steep stairs into the subway or by making prior arrangements to be escorted across the tracks.
The MRUA has campaigned for sometime for facilities to be improved in this regard. A possible solution is to construct an elevator which would require a certain amount of construction above ground. However, in an article in the Manningtree and Harwich Standard Paul Gallifant, a Dedham Vale Society committee member said "we would oppose any large work and will have to look at the proposals. [the station] is a lovely Victorian building, but we would probably have opposed it being built in the first place. We don't have any objections to minor changes and improved disabled access inside the station itself."
The Dedham Vale Society have previously complained about the recent car park extension which they regard as an eyesore but which has been well received by many.
The MRUA has campaigned for sometime for facilities to be improved in this regard. A possible solution is to construct an elevator which would require a certain amount of construction above ground. However, in an article in the Manningtree and Harwich Standard Paul Gallifant, a Dedham Vale Society committee member said "we would oppose any large work and will have to look at the proposals. [the station] is a lovely Victorian building, but we would probably have opposed it being built in the first place. We don't have any objections to minor changes and improved disabled access inside the station itself."
The Dedham Vale Society have previously complained about the recent car park extension which they regard as an eyesore but which has been well received by many.
Friday, 10 December 2010
New Timetable - Reminder
A reminder that the new timetable comes into force on Sunday. All services are affected so it is advised that passengers familiarise themselves with the changes relevant to them.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Season Ticket Calculator
A useful tool for calculating the price of your next season ticket by clicking here.
It is disappointing to note that the season ticket prices to London from Harwich branch stations are now more expensive that those from Manningtree. Mistley passengers will be paying £20 a year more than those from Manningtree and Harwich Town passengers will be paying £40 more. This is especially disappointing when journeys to and from Harwich are for the most part to be inconvenienced by having to change at Manningtree after the introduction of the new timetable next week.
It is disappointing to note that the season ticket prices to London from Harwich branch stations are now more expensive that those from Manningtree. Mistley passengers will be paying £20 a year more than those from Manningtree and Harwich Town passengers will be paying £40 more. This is especially disappointing when journeys to and from Harwich are for the most part to be inconvenienced by having to change at Manningtree after the introduction of the new timetable next week.
Monday, 6 December 2010
NXEA To Seek To Retain Franchise
In an article in the Financial Times it is reported that National Express (NX) will not be bidding for the big inter city franchises, including the lucrative West Coast Mainline franchise, as they come up for renewal in the next couple years. NX will be concentrating however on retaining their last two remaining franchises - NXEA and C2C.
A source is quoted as saying "We’re not interested in intercity franchises; we need to prove ourselves with C2C and East Anglia and use them to win back political confidence”
National Express is trying to restore its reputation following its decision to relinquish the contract to run the London to Edinburgh rail service last year.
It is likely that NX will have to compete to keep its franchises as the government is thought to be putting the current NXEA franchise on a short term contract as a test case for the proposed new way of franchising. Other possible changes to perhaps be tested by the government include longer, 15-20 year franchises to encourage investment in stations and new trains, and a restructuring of the revenue sharing between train operators and the government. The review, which has been welcomed by the industry, is an attempt to shore up the rail franchise system, under fire since the East Coast main line was temporarily renationalised last November following NX handing it back.
A source is quoted as saying "We’re not interested in intercity franchises; we need to prove ourselves with C2C and East Anglia and use them to win back political confidence”
National Express is trying to restore its reputation following its decision to relinquish the contract to run the London to Edinburgh rail service last year.
It is likely that NX will have to compete to keep its franchises as the government is thought to be putting the current NXEA franchise on a short term contract as a test case for the proposed new way of franchising. Other possible changes to perhaps be tested by the government include longer, 15-20 year franchises to encourage investment in stations and new trains, and a restructuring of the revenue sharing between train operators and the government. The review, which has been welcomed by the industry, is an attempt to shore up the rail franchise system, under fire since the East Coast main line was temporarily renationalised last November following NX handing it back.
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