Hornchurch and Upminster MP meets with C2C.

Hornchurch and Upminster’s MP, Julia Lopez, met the new C2C Chief Executive, Rob Mullen, to discuss the train operator’s work to maintain this critical route transport link in the constituency.

C2C manage Upminster Station and Mrs Lopez highlighted to Mr Mullen her continued campaign for step-free access to Platform 6 to make it easier for mobility-impaired people to access the route, as well as those with luggage and buggies. Mr Mullen is happy to make join representations to the Department for Transport.

Mrs Lopez also discussed maintenance to the footbridge at the rear of the station which was due to be lifted out on the same weekend as WeAre festival on 6-7 August. Mrs Lopez had asked C2C to review this and check plans for managing crowd flows and is pleased that the works on the footbridge have been postponed until 10 August. This will mean the bridge can be used as normal and the festival operations will not be affected.

Mrs Lopez welcomed that C2C have a new fleet of trains coming online soon that will include power points and WiFi. C2C expects them to be up and running by the end of this year.

Finally, Mrs Lopez asked about the likely impact of industrial action on services. Mr Mullen explained that C2C have broadly good industrial relations with those they directly employ, but they are affected by strikes at the maintenance depot, run by another company, which is impacting train repairs and checks. They also stand likely to be affected by industrial action by the RMT on 27 July, with trains limited to operating between 07:30 and 18:30. Please keep an eye on their website for the latest details.

If any constituent wishes us to raise any issues with C2C, please email Mrs Lopez at –julia.lopez.mp@parliament.uk