A COMMUTER who has grown increasingly frustrated with his daily journey to and from work has launched a petition calling for train service improvements.

James Mitchener, 34, of Ferry Road, Hullbridge, told how he had the “journey from hell” last week as he made his way from London Liverpool Street to Rayleigh train station.

He said he was stuck in “sweltering” carriage with no air conditioning after overhead power cable failures delayed or cancelled services on the Southend Victoria line- leaving working trains overcrowded.

The bank worker claims he has seen no upgrades to justify his annual Abellio Greater Anglia season ticket increase.

He launched his petition on Tuesday and it already had more than 1,130 signatures at the time the Echo went to print.

He said: “I want to find out why our ancient rolling stock hasn’t been upgraded yet fares go up a. Some may remember the nightmare of a journey home on Tuesday, July 19.

“You may argue that the line fault is Network Rail’s responsibility, but when you’re sitting on a packed carriage on a day that’s 30 degrees plus with no air conditioning you begin to question what exactly is your £3,700 a year going on.”

He added: “Abellio have been running the service since 2012 and the only improvements I’ve seen on the rolling stock is new seat covers, some new flooring and at Rayleigh station a couple of new benches, shelters and a waiting room.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “As part of our railway upgrade plan we are investing around £250million to replace overhead lines between Chelmsford and London which will increase reliability .”

An Abellio Greater Anglia spokesperson added: “During our current short franchise we have invested more than £40 million to improve train fleet, customer service and performance. “