First Great Eastern > Reviews (6)

This is not really an overall view of First Great Eastern, but more an analysis of the commuter service between Manningtree / Ipswich and Liverpool Street.

I used to regularly catch the 6.51 Anglian train scheduled for Liverpool St at 7.57, but after constantly rusing to the station in time only to be delayed 10, 20 mins waiting because of points problems at Diss etc, I decided to switch to the slightly earlier First Great eastern 06.40.

Though this is scheduled for Liverpool St at 06.56 (only 1 minute before the Anglian) I found it normally arrives just after 07.50 (7 mins early).

The advantage of this train is that as it only starts from Ipswich it is rarely late at Manningtree (its first stop).

After trying various trains to get home the best Great Eastern train is the 17.02, though this is packed (you can get a seat if you are on the train up to 2 or 3 mins before departure) it tends to run on time, though can occasionally be delayed as train arrives in 2 sections. Arriving at Manningtree at 18.08

Next is the 17.16, this normally leaves on time but is incredibly bumpy. I kid you not, when I get this train, I nearly always leave with a headache.
Note for Men Only (sit opposite women with large chests on this one - good entertainment! - Sorry ladies if this offends and is notr PC!).

I now outline the choices with comments:

Manningtree to Liverpool St
06.21 - 07.27 Anglian - Normally 5 mins late
06.40 - 07.56 Great eastern - Normally on time or early
06.51 - 07.57 Anglian Nearly always late (10 mins +)
07.08 - 08.16 Grat Eastern A few mins late - watch out very bumpy
07.21 - 08.28 Anglian - a little late very hard to get a seat.

Liverpool St - Manningtree
16.45 - 17.54 GE normally full as splits at Colchester this adds 5 mins on journey. Train also waits at colchester whilst fast train comes through.
17.02 - 18.08 GE Busy but generally on time, space gets better at each stop.
17.16 - 18.22 Normally a few mins late. Very Bumpy
17.30 - 18.28 Anglian - 5 - 10 mins late, get a seat if 5 mins before departure. Buffet car

My preference is for the 6.40 from Manningtree or the 6.21 (if you can get up early enough)
Coming home the 17.02 or if you can leave early the 16.27 (havent listed above as I term this before most commuters can leave). This is only 3 carraiges but first stop is Manningtree and is very fast with scheduled jouney of 55 mins. But normally 5 mins late.

Avoid the 06.51 and 07.21 either too inconsistent or too crowded.
Avoid 16.46 and possibly the 17.16 too bumpy.

Bear in mind both Anglian and Great Eastern are blighted by an antiquated rail structure with points signals and wiring up to 40 years old. This causes constant disruptions and is generally outside of their control.

hope this helps anyone planning to travel during the rush hour on a one off journey.

Note also:
Anglian have air-conditioning and Buffet.
Though Great Eastern are introducing new trains with Air Con from end of September.