Nearly 20 per cent of trains have run late this year, according to a rail watchdog group.
The Witham and Braintree Rail Users' Association said its figures show just under 18 per cent of trains travelling the route from Witham to London ran late in July, due to congestion, power failures and signal failures.
It said this gives an overall figure for the year of 18.9 per cent.
David Bigg, chairman of the association, also warned of fare increases of about 3.5 per cent.
"Rail travellers must expect a rise of about 3.5 per cent come next January.
"This is based on the fact that in 2002 fares on Great Eastern actually went down by 1.4per cent and the Strategic Rail Authority proposing a two per cent above inflation increase," said Mr Bigg.
He added: "This is the start of steep fare increase as the Government attempts to choke off demand to reduce chronic over-crowding."
Mr Bigg warned commuters could be faced with paying for a poor quality service
Published Monday August 12, 2002
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