Evening Echo 08/02/2005

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Bid to flush out TV on trains plan

Irate commuters were today holding a toilet bound protest against a train company's plans to install TV sets in carriages.

Travellers on the c2c line to Fenchurch Street are furious at the firm's plans to install televisions showing travel updates and advertisements.

Rail users groups claim c2c has ignored travellers' wishes in forging ahead with the plans, which they claim will destroy the 'peace and quiet' commuters enjoy on their way to and from work.

The result was today's 'Dash To The Loos' protest where travellers were encouraged to 'squeeze into the only area where they could escape from the new screens - the toilet'.

Thurrock Rail Users Group, which carried out a consultation of travellers claimed some commuters had threatened to vandalise the new sets once they had been installed.

As a result, the group wants at least one carriage on everytrain set aside as a 'quiet coach'. where commuters can relax in peace.

A spokesman said: "Many are already fed up with the current total lack of restrictions of use of mobile phones, non-personal stereos and the like, and that imposition of a permanent additional 'noise' will be the final straw.

'Dash To The Loos' was organised by TRUG, the Pitsea Labour Party and Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson for Billericay and district, Anneliese Dodds.

She said; 'The overwhelming majority of commuters want peace and quiet, not constant advertisements.

'We are hoping that this event will make c2c listen to its customers' opinions.'

The plans received the support of Southend Rail Users' Association. chairman, peter Slattery, said 'They have our backing. It's basically intrusion and the sooner the televisions get scrapped the better.'

Last June, c2c route director Lelia Frances claimed more than 80 percent of passengers had supported the TV set plans, which will be self funded through ads.

Graham Bashford, spokesman for c2c, said the company was in discussions with rail user groups and has offered to demonstrate how the system works.

He said: 'Its surprising they are taking this action when we are in dialogue with them'

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