Hi DC07
Its a strange thing about C2C, I could never understand why it should have been such a nightmare before the new
rolling stock was introduced. That might sound like a stupid thing to say but the age of the rolling stock couldn't have
been responsible for all its' woes. I cant remember the nickname for the line, but it wasn't too complimentary. As you say
it it is a fairly uncomplicated operation.

I agree with you about the 170's running through to London. It is crazy, and I dont know whether it was included in the franchise
requirement or whether local pressure groups were responsible, either way it is crazy to have 3 car DMUs running on lines which
are already congested, when a 12 car EMU to Ipswich would do a better and more reliable job.
The joining up of the Anglia / First / WA franchise did make sense in my view. It seemed nonsensical to have a 2 tiered service
particularly between London, Colchester and Ipswich. Perhaps I should say it was OK to have a 2 tiered service,but that it was
provided by two different operators would certainly have annoyed me. People who leave their office at varying times in the City
like to turn up and go, not have to worry about who the service provider is. That also would give a better and safer flow of passengers
through Liverpool St.
The question of how the winner was selected certainly seemed very odd. Was it First who didn't get over the initial hurdle and bought
over Anglia to keep in the race ?

Overall, I dont have a view about National Express versus the other operators in the UK, although on those few occasions when
I have used N E E A in recent years I have always found them satisfactory.

Bring back the Britannias I say !!