Changes to services at Basildon station

Due to a worsening of the platform movement, c2c, supported by its structural engineers and Network Rail has made the difficult decision to close a section of Platform 2 at Basildon. As such 12-carriage trains are unable stop at Basildon in the Southend direction for the foreseeable future. 

This also means we have had to reduce the number of carriages on other services across the network throughout the day, to ensure Basildon retains a viable service. This may lead to busier trains for other customers.

Particularly affected, is the 06.59 from Fenchurch Street, which arrives at Basildon at 07.37. This is one of our busiest morning trains and has been reduced from 12 to 8 carriages. You may find this train very busy and may wish to wait for the 07.20 from Fenchurch Street, which calls at all stations to Shoeburyness.

We were planning major works to rectify the underlying issue at Basildon. However the level of movement has been accelerated by the prolonged period of hot dry weather during the summer, which has caused shrinkage of the clay that underlies much of the c2c route. This has resulted in this section of platform having to be taken out of use sooner than planned. Our planned remedial works will now be accelerated.

We understand how inconvenient this is for our customers travelling towards Shoeburyness and apologise to everyone impacted, but maintaining a safe railway has to be our top priority. This is a complex issue and the repair works required are likely to take some time. Once more investigations and survey has been completed, we will share a programme of works.

FAQs

Why have these changes to the service been made?

Our proactive structural monitoring has identified worsening defects on a section of Platform 2 (Down) at Basildon station. As a result, 12-carriage trains cannot stop at Basildon until major repairs are made. 8-carriage services are unaffected as they don’t use that part of the platform. We’re sorry this has disrupted your journey.

Why don’t you run all 12-car trains not stopping at Basildon?’

We cannot skip Basildon station with all 12-car trains, as that would leave unacceptable gaps in the service for Basildon passengers. Instead we are taking a balanced approach, by skipping Basildon on some trains and reducing the length of other services. We’re sorry this has disrupted your journey.

Why don’t you reduce all affected trains to 8-carriages instead of skipping my stop at Basildon?

We cannot reduce all 12-carriage trains, as that would reduce capacity on some of our busiest services. Instead we are taking a balanced approach, by skipping Basildon on some trains and reducing the length of other services. We’re sorry this has disrupted your journey.

Is the station safe?

Yes. We have identified this issue through the proactive monitoring we have in place.

Why are there more staff on the platform?

We have some extra people on the platform, to ensure that nobody strays into the affected area.

How long will the train service be like this?

These changes will be in place for the until we have determined the required remedial action and the plans to implement it. We will communicate again once we have developed a detailed plan.

I have accessibility needs, how can I get help catching the train?

If you have accessibility requirements and would like some assistance please contact the c2c team using Passenger Assist, and the team will do their best to help you make your journey.