Mistley - 800 object to timetable changes

It is reported that over 800 complaints have been raised by people in the Mistley area regarding NXEA's proposed changes to the timetable at the end of 2010.

NXEA intend to cease the direct Harwich to London trains and replace them with a shuttle service between Harwich and Manningtree. Many in the Mistley area feel that this will have detrimental effect on local businesses and that passengers may be left stranded at Manningtree station, amongst other concerns.

The MRUA continues to work with NXEA in identifying a solution to this problem that best satisfies all the relevant parties.

Current Campaigns

Thought it might be appropriate to highlight the things that the MRUA is currently working on:

• Reducing the cost of parking at Manningtree station.
• Representing the interests of Manningtree and Harwich branch line passengers in the current timetable consultation process being carried out by NXEA.
• Getting a later last train from London.

If there are any issues that would like the MRUA to address then please do not hesitate to contact us on info@mrua.org

CVC Deadline Extended To 16th Oct

Confirmation that the deadline for the CVC consortium to finalise their takeover of National Express Group has been extended to 16th October.

CVC Deadline Extended

The CVC consortium has obtained an extension to the deadline to enable them to continue due diligence on their proposed take over of National Express Group. It is understood that the assessment of the UK business which includes National Express East Anglia (NXEA) has been successfully completed but that additional time is required to review the company's US school bus division.

Should the takeover go ahead then the NXEA business will be transferred to the Stagecoach Group.

CVC Group May Request More Time On NX Due Diligence

Media reports are suggesting that CVC Capital Partners and Spain's Cosmen family are expected to ask for more time to do due diligence before they make a formal offer for National Express Group. The current deadline is set for 16:00GMT on Friday.

Ever Considered The Actual Cost Of Commuting?

The annual season from Manningtree to London is £4,400 (£5,040 with a Travelcard). Assuming you pay 40% tax as a lot of commuters do, you need to earn £7,333 (£8,400 with Travelcard) just to buy your ticket.

An annual car park ticket at Manningtree costs £960 which would require you to earn £1,600 before tax to pay for it.

So if a couple commute to London, require a Travelcard and park at Manningtree they have to earn £18,400 between them just to cover the cost of travelling!

The numbers for those paying 20% tax are as follows:

Season ticket - £4,400 (£5,040)
Needs to earn £5,500 (£6,300)

Car Park - £960
Needs to earn £1,200

When taking into account that people on 20% tax are earning less than £34,800 that is quite a sizeable chunk of income going on the cost of travel.

Of course, it should be mentioned that all the above assumes that individuals can fork out for an annual ticket. Monthly, weekly and daily tickets obviously cost more over a 12 month period.

Strike Refunds - Deadline 23rd September

A reminder that any claims for refunds on monthly or annual seasons following on from the recent strike action need to be with NXEA by 23rd September.