Rail company c2c was branded "arrogant", "appalling" and "inadequate" by long-suffering commuters who vented their fury at a public meeting.
They gathered in Basildon's Towngate Theatre at an event staged by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) to voice concerns about services on the Southend to Fenchurch Street line.
Last week, RMT members held their sixth strike to oppose the introduction of driver only operation trains by c2c. They believe the changing role of guards would jeopardise passengers' safety.
Bob Crow, RMT assistant general secretary, said: "There must be two responsible people on the train at all times. Why are there so many signals passed at danger? It's because drivers have too much responsibility. Drivers should do one thing only - drive the train."
Commuter William Devlin, of Mellow Purgess Close, Laindon, replied: "A mistake is going to be made by a train driver because he's got too much on his mind."
Basildon MP Angela Smith tole the meeting: "My constituents have been to hell and back - which is down to mismanagement at c2c."
And Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay said: "c2c is a crass, stupid name and it's an absurd railway network. It's appalling, inadequate management."
Nobody from c2c attended the meeting. A spokesman said: "We didn't receive an invitation."
Making a point - MP Angela Smith joined RMT union officials Derrick Marr and Bob Crow at the meeting
Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
By Chris Weeks
Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article