Passengers Oppose c2c TV plan - Basildon Yellow Advertiser 17/03/2005

Angry commuters campaigned last Wednesday against plans to install television and speakers in c2c carriages.

The rail users say they don't want more noise on trains, and would prefer to take a nap.

So far protests have included a stunt where three commuters 'fled' from the noise of the screens into a toilet.

A spokesman for the protest group said last weeks antics led c2c to create quiet areas on the trains.

c2c user, Judith Pothecary, from Basildon, one of the three involved in the toilet stunt, said "This protest has put the spotlight onto the issue of TVs on trains. We have had an overwhelming response from the travelling public. Around 80% of those who have contacted us stated quite firmly they were against the introduction of TV on trains - especially with loudspeakers spread throughout most of the carriages".

A spokesman for c2c said there would be sections of the trains available for those people who wanted to sleep.

He said: "We will monitor the situation. the televisions will provide up to the minute news, sport and customer information on delays and whether alternative arrangements are available".