Abellio rail takeover 'off to a bad start'
Passengers using the Chingford to Liverpool Street rail line have been left frustrated by delays and cancellations, prompting its operator to apologise.
Dutch national operator Abellio took over the route on February 5, vowing to provide a better service than its predecessor, National Express East Anglia.
But the snow, a fire at Hackney Downs and National Rail engineering works have blighted the line, presenting passengers with delays and cancellations. The entire service was suspended on February 12.
Abellio has defended its record, pointing out that Network Rail was responsible for Sunday's cancellations due to over-running engineering work. The operator insists improvements will be made.
Waltham Forest rail campaigner Glenn Wallis said the firm had "not got off to a good start". He said some train users had been left perplexed by a lack of information, with Abellio's own website crashing last week.
The Chingford to Liverpool Street rail line has stops in Highams Park and Walthamstow.
Copyright Press Association 2012
