The Southminster Branch Line rail service operated by onerailway

This web site deals with issues (both good and bad) related to the service on the Southminster Branch Line, which is run by One Great Eastern, part of 'one', which is part of 'onerailway'. The web site also deals with issues related to the line, such as fly-tipping on railway owned land, which is getting common now in Station Road in Althorne and the car park. The line runs though Wickford, Battlesbridge, Woodham Ferrers, Fambridge, Althorne, Burnham on Crouch and ends in Southminster. It used to be known as the Southminster Branch Line, but has been offically renamed the Crouch Valley Line. But 99% of people still call it the Southminster Branch Line, so it will be refered to that here. This website is independant, with funding entirely from the pocket of the website's creator.

Whilst most commuters would agree the ticket examiners on the train are very friendly and helpful, this customer care does not extend to the management or customer services of 'one', who treat users of the branch line like second-class citizens - depite the high fares we pay.

Forums - Sorry, this has been disabled.

I used to run a guest book, then a forum on here, but due to almost constant spam, and repeated attempts to hack the web server, this has been disabled.

The guest book messages are still archived. Those for 2004 are here and those for 2005 are here.

Aims of this web site

The web site aims is to bring about a better service on the Southminster Branch Line by nine main methods:

Discouraging others from just moaning to the station staff, ticket examiners, or other passengers on the train. This seems the most common method of 'letting of steam', but it is a total waste of time.
Providing a source of information, of relevance to users of the Southminster Branch Line
Providing a forums where people can read and write comments about the line or the content of the web site. Unlike private emails, everyone can read the forums, so don't write confidential information there! The forums replace the old guest-book. The messages posted in the guest book are not lost. Those from 2004 are here and those from 2005 are here Copies of the guest book postings have been placed in one of the forums.
Highlighting any new changes, such as new policies, time-tables or similar.
Highlighting some issues that few seem to be aware of, such as the large difference in costs of tickets towards Southminster and those towards Southend Victoria.
Encouraging others to make constructive comments/criticisms to one about the service. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the single-track line, with only a single passing point at Fambridge, there are practical limitations to the frequency of peak-time trains, which can only be solved by major investments in track. But other aspects of the service, such as the lack of later trains in the evening (which annoys many), is within one's control.
Encouraging others to contact their MP about the issues. According to letters from one, the major track modifications needed to allow more frequent trains in the peak periods, would need to come from the Strategic Rail Authority, perhaps with funding from the Essex County Council. Hence this is of relevance to Essex MPs.
Highlighting the role of the Rail Passengers Council to whom you can submit an appeal complaint if you are not satisfied with the response from one
Encourage other passengers to write to any body, that can reasonably be considered helpful

'one' as is marked on some of the trains, is part of onerailway, which is part of the National Express Group PLC. 'one' also seems to be known as One Great Eastern. But 'one' is actually just a trading name of London Eastern Railway Limited. Confused? Yes me too! Almost as confused as the last time I went casino gambling. The two aren't dissimilar - everytime a train arrives on time I feel as though I've hit the jackpot.

If you write to one, your MP, the Rail Passengers Council or any other body and you wish to have the letters put on this web site, I will do so. I will withhold your name/address if you wish. A few people have allowed me to put information on the site, but I realise not everyone will wish to do so.