The Southend to Fenchurch Street rail line could be changing its name as part of a major revamp.

LTS Rail, once dubbed the misery line, could soon take on a brand new identity.

Bosses will not confirm the name change, which is rumoured to be C to C, but say they will be making an announcement soon.

The name is believed to continue to reflect the line's destinations - from the coast to the capital. Its current title LTS stands for London, Tilbury, Southend.

The change is expected to come as the line takes delivery of 44 new trains at the cost of £220 million. The first of the new state-of-the-art rolling stock will be on the rails in August or September.

Les Powell, LTS spokesman, said: "We are talking about total transformation - not a cosmetic makeover.

"When they are eventually revealed, our plans to relaunch the business will show exactly how we aim to deliver the final phase of our stated mission - to create the premier railway in the south east."

Since it was privatised in May 1996, managers have attempted to completely tun around the fortunes of the line which was once synonymous with late trains, cancelled journeys and lack of passenger information.

A three-phase business plan was launched, which is now entering its third and final phase - the relaunch.

The company hopes the name change will result in improved customer confidence and an increase in passenger numbers.

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