TRAIN commuters disrupted by the Ipswich tunnel closure today praised the handling of the situation, even though their journey times are being extended.
TRAIN commuters disrupted by the Ipswich tunnel closure today praised the handling of the situation, even though their journey times are being extended.
Track improvements mean the line between Ipswich and Manningtree will be closed until September 6, with a replacement bus service running in its place.
More than two weeks into the works, rail operator 'one' today claimed there had been an "understanding" response from customers.
Most people at Ipswich train station early today seemed resigned to the situation, although not everyone is happy.
Jon Taylor, from Colchester, claimed he missed a train after being delayed by a late-departing bus.
He said: "I was in Ipswich last Thursday and intended to catch the 6.09pm service back to Colchester.
"Despite boarding the connecting bus at 5.30pm, the driver seemed more intent on loafing around Ipswich station.
"It was after 5.40pm when he took the bus out of Ipswich station and, needless to say, we arrived to see the train departing."
But Sarah Williamson, 30, from Colchester, painted a different picture.
She travels into Ipswich daily and said: "It's fine and has been very organised. There's always a bus waiting when you get off the train.
"I've been quite surprised actually because I thought it would be chaotic. I hope they keep it up."
Another man, who declined to be named, added: "It does add time to your journeys but it's just something we've got to put up with.
"Hopefully, now the schools have broken up, they'll be less traffic on the roads in the mornings, which will help."
A spokesman for 'one' said: "The unhappy customer's experience is isolated in the extreme. The vast majority of people using the replacement service are happy with the service, judging by our feedback.
"Almost 100 per cent of connections are being made and people have been understanding and very co-operative."
What do you think of the situation? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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