EVERY commuter’s dream is a guaranteed seat.

Essex travellers’ groups have been lobbying hard for such an improvement for years, without making great headway.

Now the dream could be about to come true on the Southend-Fenchurch Street line, if c2c’s new programme delivers what it is promising.

The company’s commitment to improved seating capacity has been made possible partly as the result of £12million financial investment, but also by some incisive work on schedules.

Extra trains mean extra seating, but c2c also plans to channel off some of the morning and evening demand by adding local services for non-commuters.

There is every reason to hope the plans work out. More than most rail companies, c2c can claim a history of hitting its targets. Better infrastructure, better time-keeping, better rolling stock and better ticketing arrangements have all been established on c2c’s watch.

Much of this has been paid for directly by commuters. But a fair proportion has also been the result of proactive management.

The new deal has yet to be put to the test, and traveller groups will not be slow to test the new arrangements. But every commuter has a vested interest in the success of the new schedule, and the most welcome feedback will be silence, as commuters slumber peacefully in their new seats.