c2c staff to be given smartphones to keep customers up to date (From Thurrock Gazette)
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c2c staff to be given smartphones to keep customers up to date
2:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Emma Thomas
c2c staff to be given smartphones to keep customers up to date
TRAIN staff are being given smartphones to help keep passengers up to date.
National Express train operator c2c, which runs the line between Shoebury and London Fenchurch
Street via Tilbury, has given out 100 HTC Desire phones as part of a £20,000 scheme to make sure customers can always get the latest information.
c2c employees will use the phones to get direct updates from c2c’s train management centre on any delayed services.
Hugh Jennings, c2c head of retail, said: “Rail companies used to give their staff watches to ensure the trains ran on time, but we have brought that concept into the 21st Century. Passengers already say our staff are the best in the country at handling their questions, and now they’re better equipped to provide you with an immediate answer than ever before.”
The train company’s Twitter account, @c2c_rail, is already popular with more than 13,400 followers using it to check on train times, delays and engineering works.
Mr Jennings added: “The biggest improvement will be during those rare periods of disruption, when we’ll be able to reach more of our staff on platforms instantly with the very latest updates. We think our customers will notice a real difference – although we will do our best to make sure it will be a long time before they need to find out.”
Comments(10)
BinDipper
says...
2:05pm Thu 7 Mar 13
Sean4u
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2:41pm Thu 7 Mar 13
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I don't understand how this is an improvement over electronic signboards / loudspeaker announcements at stations.
andy:)
says...
2:47pm Thu 7 Mar 13
To infinity and beyond !
Andy
smiffy1980
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2:56pm Thu 7 Mar 13
@Sean4u. Some stations are not allowed to use the loudspeakers before 7am due to the neighbours.
Cvh
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3:42pm Thu 7 Mar 13
Mattster
says...
8:07pm Thu 7 Mar 13
ThurrockResident
says...
11:13pm Thu 7 Mar 13
d_2da_ougle
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11:20pm Thu 7 Mar 13
C.E.R.
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1:02pm Fri 8 Mar 13
ThurrockResident wrote:I must say that I agree with all the comments already made.
Pity they didn't spend the money on better staffing on the ticket counters and better use of announcements over the Tannoy and on signage.
I just hope the cost of supplying the phones isn't another waste of money just like extending the platforms to accommodate a 12 carriage train that hasn't been seen on the Chafford Hundred line which would be greatly accepted by many a passenger having to repeatedly standing day in day out.
Carnabackable says...
2:01pm Thu 7 Mar 13