Rail users’ anger has sparked an MP into asking questions about a much-used service in the borough.

Barking and Dagenham Post: MP for Dagenham and Rainham, Jon Cruddas.MP for Dagenham and Rainham, Jon Cruddas. (Image: Archant)

Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, is preparing to meet rail bosses after commuters reached out and notified him of their dissatisfaction with c2c.

Users have raised a series of issues with the MP including overcrowding on the platform due to the inadequate number of carriages used during peak time services.

Yesterday National Express confirmed c2c had been sold to Italian firm Trenitalia for £72 million.

Many now feel the new timetable released on January 9 and the upheaval of the new ownership will affect their commute to and from work.

Mr Cruddas said: “C2C is a much-used service for many residents all over Dagenham and Rainham.

“I will work closely with both The National Express and Trenitalia to ensure the concerns of the residents in my constituency are addressed.

“Working together we can welcome the new ownership of c2c and ensure the standards of their services are high, keeping customers content during their commute to and from work in the busiest hours.”

Before meeting bosses, Mr Cruddas is keen to hear the views of residents to ensure he is aware of all their concerns and has set up a consultation for people to take part in.

Passenger concerns about the new ownership are echoed by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “This is yet another part of Britain’s rail operations being sold off to a European state-owned outfit.

“This time it’s Trenitalia, an Italian operator, that is being given an open door to plunder passengers and the public purse to subsidise rail services in their own country.

“The government should be hanging their heads in shame and this latest scandal ramps up the case for public ownership of our rail network.”

To take part in the MP’s consultation, please click here