NXEA Second Lowest in Satisfaction Poll

NXEA has come second from last in a national survey of customer satisfaction carried out by Passenger Focus. NXEA achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 76% against a national average of 81%. Only London Overground scored lower whilst First Capital Connect and Southeastern also scored 76%.

National Express Reject Takeover Bid

Reports in the press are claiming that National Express have rejected a takeover bid from FirstGroup. National Express continue to have problems in reducing a debt pile of £1.2 billion and talks with the government over their failing East Coast franchise are said to be stalled.

Many will remember that FirstGroup ran the successful and much missed Great Eastern franchise prior to National Express taking over the route with the now defunct 'one' branding.

Hot Weather Forecast

Following forecasts of very hot weather this week, NXEA are advising all passengers to carry bottled water whilst travelling.

Speed restrictions may well be imposed to protect the overhead wires in certain areas. These can droop through expansion in the hot weather which in turn can lead them to come down under certain conditions.

Manningtree Car Park - Official Opening

The extension of the car park at Manningtree station is today being officially opened by Bernard Jenkin MP.

Cruise Ships At Harwich

The following Cruise Ships will be visiting Harwich this summer:

Constellation (91,000 tons) - 27th June, 11th & 25th July, 8th & 22nd August, 5th September.

Jewel Of The Seas (90,090 tons) 4th, 16th & 28th July, 9th & 21st August, 2nd September.

Improved Punctuality

National Express East Anglia saw punctuality improve in the year to 30th May, with a full two percentage point jump to 94.3% of trains arriving on time.

Potentially Significant Changes To Train Services

NXEA has begun a 12 week consultation period in preparation for significant changes to the timetable in December 2010. This follows the announcement earlier in the year of new and used carriages being acquired by NXEA, increasing the fleet size by 17%.

Manningtree is likely to be affected by these changes following a promise by NXEA to Norfolk passengers of a faster service to London. It may be that Manningtree loses one of the two Inter City services each hour in the off peak period. There is no suggestion of an actual reduction in the number of stopping services however.

Highlights as follows:

• Longer peak time trains
• Two additional morning peak trains
• Two Inter City arrivals in London before 07:00
• More peak services to call at Stratford

Details to follow...

Resurfacing Work At The Station

There is currently platform resurfacing work being done at the station together with some replacement of the platform edge. Extra care should be taken whilst this work is undertaken.

Manningtree Buffet In The Top Ten!

The buffet at Manningtree Station has been included in the top ten station buffets in the country as described in today's Guardian.