DISGRUNTLED rail commuters fed up with delays, overcrowded trains and pricey tickets are today using an internet blog to vent their fury.

DISGRUNTLED rail commuters fed up with delays, overcrowded trains and pricey tickets are today using an internet blog to vent their fury.

The site was launched by jaded passengers using the Ipswich to London mainline who were unhappy with the service provided by rail operator 'one'.

Commuters can leave messages on any East Anglian train-related topic by sending an e-mail or text.

The website's homepage reads: “Going insane on the train? Ever been so frustrated that you wanted to run up and down the carriage? You're not alone - that's why we've developed trainblog, a place to vent frustration or share opinion.”

The site - www.trainblog.co.uk - has quickly grown in popularity, with commuters regularly posting messages of discontent.

One poster wrote: “Cancelled branch line trains leaving passengers stranded, late running mainline trains due to 'non availability of train crew', unspecified line side problems between Stratford and Ilford causing delays and missed connections, overhead wire problems at Kelvedon also causing delays, mainline cancellations and more missed connections.

“All these incidents have occurred between the last 36 hours. How much more do we have to take?”

Another wrote: “For about the third time recently the mainline train didn't have any water to flush the toilets or wash your hands.

“How low does this stupid rail service have to go?

“It's not like we're commuting in Calcutta…wait a minute, it is.”

Under-fire 'one', which took over the running of rail services in the east of England in April 2004, was roundly criticised by passengers following a day of misery for commuters on Friday.

The delays, caused by a defective set of points and a fault with a level crossing, were such that managing director, Andrew Chivers, posted a message of apology on the company's website.

Today, a 'one' spokesman said the company had “effective methods” in place for passengers to pass comment.

He added: “We also have a generous passenger charter in place. In addition we arrange regular 'meet the manager days' around our network.

“In the event that passengers are not happy with the response they receive they can also contact the national watchdog Passenger Focus on 0845 302 2022.”

n Are you satisfied with 'one'? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

www.trainblog.co.uk