Editing C2c (section)

==History==
===First franchise (1996–2014)===
====LTS Rail====
The [[Essex Thameside|London, Tilbury and Southend franchise]] was created as part of the [[privatisation of British Rail]]. In December 1995, the franchise was awarded to a [[management buyout]]; the handover was initially due to happen on 4 February 1996. However, on 1 February 1996, ticketing and settlement irregularities were discovered and the other shortlisted bidders were invited to tender again.<ref name="NAO 1996">{{cite web |url=https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/the-award-of-the-first-three-passenger-rail-franchises-2/ |title=Office of Passenger Rail Franchising:The award of the first three passenger rail franchises |publisher=[[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] |date=16 October 1996 |access-date=5 February 2023 |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205082254/https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/the-award-of-the-first-three-passenger-rail-franchises-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/inquiry-into-ticket-fraud-stalls-rail-selloff-1317124.html |title=Inquiry into ticket fraud stalls rail sell-off |newspaper=The Independent |location=London, UK |date=4 February 1996 |first=Paul |last=Routledge}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/government-orders-rail-fraud-inquiry-1317400.html |title=Government orders rail fraud inquiry |newspaper=The Independent |location=London, UK |date=5 February 1996 |first=Christian |last=Wolmar |archive-date=21 September 2019 |access-date=25 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921185937/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/government-orders-rail-fraud-inquiry-1317400.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 1996, the franchise was awarded to [[Prism Rail]] by the [[Director of Passenger Rail Franchising]] for a period of 15&nbsp;years. It began operating as LTS Rail on 26 May 1996.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/soaring-prism-renews-rail-sale-attack-1349842.html |title=Soaring Prism renews rail sale attack |newspaper=The Independent |location=London, UK |date=30 May 1996 |first=Magnus |last=Grimond |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=25 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316005727/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/soaring-prism-renews-rail-sale-attack-1349842.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The franchise period could have been reduced to seven years if the operator did not fulfil commitments made during the bidding phase to replace its rolling stock with new-build trains.<ref name="NAO 1996"/>

Passenger numbers increased above forecasts which caused overcrowding as trains reached capacity at peak times.<ref name="NAO 2000">{{cite web |title=Action to improve passenger rail services |url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2000/08/9900842.pdf |publisher=National Audit Office |access-date=5 February 2023 |date=3 August 2000 |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205084135/https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2000/08/9900842.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> During 1998, the franchise was renegotiated to provide for the elimination of slam-door rolling stock and increased fleet by March 2002, increased staffing of stations, real-time passenger information system, improved security measures, improved station facilities for disabled people, increased cycle storage and pedestrian access from [[Chafford Hundred railway station]] to [[Lakeside Shopping Centre]].<ref name="1998 franchise">{{cite web |title=Improvement for Passengers on LTS Rail |url=http://www.opraf.gov.uk/news/releases/1998/98_11_11.htm |publisher=Office of Passenger Rail Franchising |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991010171219/http://www.opraf.gov.uk/news/releases/1998/98_11_11.htm |archive-date=10 October 1999 |date=11 November 1998}}</ref>

LTS Rail started serving {{rws|West Ham}} from 14 May 1999 to coincide with the opening of the [[Jubilee line]] extension. Peak services were restricted at West Ham, because of limitations of the signalling system. These were eliminated in time for the December 2011 timetable change ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Essex Thameside Franchise Consultation |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/2682/essex-thameside-franchise-replacement.pdf |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=29 January 2023 |date=February 2012 |archive-date=7 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107104329/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/2682/essex-thameside-franchise-replacement.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 2 July 2000, the business was rebranded as c2c.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=LTS Rail relaunches as c2c |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue=386 |date=28 June 2000 |page=4}}</ref> To coincide with the rebranding, the company website was launched on 16 June 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title=New website for new rail company c2c |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/site/news/news_1a2b.htm |website=c2c-online.co.uk |access-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010209093201/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/site/news/news_1a2b.htm |archive-date=9 February 2001 |date=19 June 2000}}</ref> The company name was also changed from LTS Rail Limited to c2c Rail Limited shortly thereafter.

====National Express====
During July 2000, c2c was included in the sale of Prism Rail to [[National Express]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4458960/National-Express-buys-Prism-for-166m.html |title=National Express buys Prism for £166m |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=19 July 2000 |location=London, UK |first=Alistair |last=Osborne |archive-date=22 November 2020 |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122152744/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4458960/National-Express-buys-Prism-for-166m.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/jul/19/5 |title=National Express buys Prism for £166m |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London, UK |date=19 July 2000 |first=Keith |last=Harper |archive-date=23 October 2013 |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023081315/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/jul/19/5 |url-status=live }}</ref> The merger of the companies was completed on 19 September 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Base Prospectus: National Express |url=https://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/4776e_1-2009-12-21.pdf |publisher=Merrill Corporation |access-date=3 February 2023 |date=21 December 2009 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630143854/https://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/4776e_1-2009-12-21.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> National Express combined the management and support functions of c2c, Silverlink, WAGN and Stansted Express in a single organisation called London Lines in March 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2001 |url=https://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/media/ilijyhvw/094525-ar2001.pdf |publisher=National Express |access-date=8 February 2023 |year=2002}}</ref>

In March 2002, management of Fenchurch Street Station was transferred from c2c to [[Network Rail]].<ref name="SL Network Rail">{{cite web |title=Station Licence granted to Network Rail Infrastructure Limited |url=https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/om/nr-stat-licence.pdf |publisher=Office of Rail and Road |access-date=1 February 2023 |year=2019 |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201160829/https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/om/nr-stat-licence.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

During January 2005, it was announced that an on-train [[television]] service would be tried out, and one unit had televisions installed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/c2c-abandons-train-tv-trial/510593 |title=C2C abandons train TV trial |website=campaignlive.co.uk |first=Kevin |last=May |date=3 May 2005}}</ref> In June 2006, the ''360 On-Board Television'' service ran into financial difficulties when c2c's partner in the project, TNCI (UK), ceased trading, and the service was withdrawn. c2c indicated it would restart the roll-out should a suitable partner be found.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/latest_updates/news/tv_on_trains_trials_stopped |title=TV on Trains – Trials Stopped |publisher=c2c |date=20 June 2006 |access-date=19 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515201032/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/latest_updates/news/tv_on_trains_trials_stopped |archive-date=15 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2006, it was announced that portable [[X-ray]] machines and metal detectors would be randomly placed at stations and carried by officers on trains during summer 2006 to catch people carrying weapons, in a joint operation with [[Essex Police]] and [[British Transport Police]], following trials at [[London Underground]] stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/5052594.stm |work=BBC News |title=Railway passengers to be scanned |date=6 June 2006 |access-date=19 July 2008 |archive-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821072633/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/5052594.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

A peak timetable introduced on 11 December 2006, with the aim of improving services for the [[Thurrock]] and [[London Riverside]] sections of the [[Thames Gateway]], was withdrawn on 8 January 2007 after a campaign by passengers as a result of delays and cancellations that affected other lines on the network.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/latest_updates/news/morning_and_evening_weekday_peak_schedules_to_return_to_previous_patterns_as_c2c_restores_old_timetable |title=Morning and evening weekday peak schedules to return to previous patterns as c2c restores old timetable |publisher=c2c |date=3 January 2007 |access-date=19 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211004027/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk:80/latest_updates/news/morning_and_evening_weekday_peak_schedules_to_return_to_previous_patterns_as_c2c_restores_old_timetable |archive-date=11 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/display.var.1099738.0.old_c2c_timetable_back_on_monday.php |newspaper=Southend Echo |title=Old c2c timetable back on Monday |first=Rob |last=Pritchard |date=3 January 2007 |access-date=19 July 2008}}</ref> During August 2006, c2c agreed to work with [[Passenger Focus]] to establish a passenger panel.<ref>{{cite web |title=c2c's timetable consultation – Passenger Focus report |url=https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/publication/c2cs-timetable-consultation-passenger-focus-report/ |publisher=Passenger Focus |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=24 August 2006}}</ref>

In October 2007, c2c announced that the first coach of each unit would be made a Quiet Zone, where passengers are asked not to use their mobile phones or play music out loud.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.consumerdeals.co.uk/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1192786704 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008155703/https://www.consumerdeals.co.uk/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1192786704 |title=The Unofficial c2c Rail Info Site |website=consumerdeals.co.uk |date=29 October 2007 |access-date=19 July 2008 |archive-date=8 October 2011}}</ref> The Quiet Zone was introduced during early 2008 and is indicated by magenta vinyl stickers on the doors of the coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/about_us/quiet_zone |title=Quiet Zone |publisher=c2c |year=2008 |access-date=19 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509170105/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/about_us/quiet_zone |archive-date=9 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2007, c2c announced that it had switched to renewably-generated electricity in all its stations, maintenance facilities and offices in a contract with [[E.ON UK]], said to be the largest of its kind in the transport sector.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/latest_updates/news/c2c_switches_to_renewable_energy_sources |title=c2c switches to renewable energy sources |publisher=c2c |date=2 October 2007 |access-date=19 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705200312/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/latest_updates/news/c2c_switches_to_renewable_energy_sources |archive-date=5 July 2008}}</ref>

The franchise was originally due to conclude on 26 May 2011. In December 2010, the [[Department for Transport]] granted National Express an extension until 26 May 2013 to allow DfT time to conduct a review of the franchising process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2010/12/23-c2c-extension-awarded-to-national.html |title=c2c extension awarded to National Express |website=railnews.co.uk |location=Stevenage, UK |date=23 December 2010}}</ref> During March 2013, the [[Secretary of State for Transport]] announced the franchise would again be extended until 13 September 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/franchise-announcement |title=Railway plan puts new focus on passengers |publisher=Secretary of State for Transport |via=gov.uk |date=26 March 2013 |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=13 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813220726/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/franchise-announcement |url-status=live }}</ref> A further delay saw this extended until 8 November 2014.

===Second franchise (2014–2021)===
On 9 November 2014, National Express was awarded the new 15-year [[Essex Thameside]] franchise, having successfully tendered against [[Abellio (transport company)|Abellio]], [[FirstGroup]] and [[MTR Corporation]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120329/ |title=Bidders to oversee improvements on rail franchises announced |publisher=Department for Transport |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=20 September 2012 |archive-date=8 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108022817/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120329/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=C2c awarded 15-year Essex Thameside rail franchise |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-28052887 |date=27 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |work=BBC News |archive-date=28 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628082901/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-28052887 |url-status=live }}</ref> The c2c brand was retained for the new operator, NXET Trains Limited, which replaced c2c Rail Limited.<ref name="company7897267">{{cite web |url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/07897267 |publisher=[[Companies House]] |title=Trenitalia c2c Limited formerly NXET Trains Limited: Company No. 7897267 |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809163649/http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/07897267 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="company 2938993">{{cite web |url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/02938993 |publisher=Companies House |title=c2c Rail Limited: Company No. 2938993 |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155254/http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/02938993 |url-status=live }}</ref> Management of Fenchurch Street station transferred from Network Rail to c2c.<ref name="SL Network Rail"/>

During December 2015, c2c introduced a new timetable to reflect long-term changes in passenger numbers at stations on the line.<ref name="Questions">{{cite web |url=https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/travelling-with-us/timetables-and-trains/c2c-director-timetable-updates/your-questions-on-the-new-timetable-answered/ |title=Your Questions on the New Timetable Answered |publisher=c2c |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075217/https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/travelling-with-us/timetables-and-trains/c2c-director-timetable-updates/your-questions-on-the-new-timetable-answered/ |archive-date = 28 November 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Consultation responses to the draft timetable published in October 2014 indicated dissatisfaction with many of the proposed changes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Proposed c2c Timetable for December 2015: Consultation Report |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media/905309/c2c-timetable-consultation-final-report-1.pdf |website=c2c-online.co.uk |access-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319022811/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media/905309/c2c-timetable-consultation-final-report-1.pdf |archive-date=19 March 2015}}</ref> c2c was criticised for putting the interests of "one-stop hoppers" (passengers travelling between Barking and West Ham) above those who travel further on the line.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/14152616.Commuter_outrage_shocks_c2c_boss/ |title=Commuter outrage shocks c2c boss |newspaper=Echo |location=Basildon |date=17 December 2015 |access-date=21 October 2018 |first=Philip |last=Jones |archive-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828122744/http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/14152616.Commuter_outrage_shocks_c2c_boss/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Trenitalia====
In February 2017, National Express sold c2c to [[Trenitalia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=National Express to sell c2c to Italian railways |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2017/01/11-national-express-to-sell-c2c.html |access-date=11 January 2017 |work=Railnews |date=11 January 2017 |archive-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202529/https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2017/01/11-national-express-to-sell-c2c.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/newsmedia/corporate-news/2017/acquisition-of-c2c-franchise-by-trenitalia/ |title=Acquisition of c2c franchise by Trenitalia |publisher=National Express |date=11 January 2017 |access-date=18 January 2017 |archive-date=26 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126104453/http://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/newsmedia/corporate-news/2017/acquisition-of-c2c-franchise-by-trenitalia |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/trenitalia-completes-c2c-acquisition.html |title=Trenitalia completes c2c acquisition |publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]] |date=13 February 2017 |access-date=15 February 2017 |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215122311/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/trenitalia-completes-c2c-acquisition.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> c2c was the only remaining National Express operated UK rail franchise, down from a peak of nine in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nexgroup.blob.core.windows.net/media/1171/094418-ar2002.pdf |title=Annual Report 2002 |publisher=National Express |date=13 March 2003 |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208100436/http://nexgroup.blob.core.windows.net/media/1171/094418-ar2002.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> The company name was subsequently changed to Trenitalia c2c Limited.

On 1 April 2017, c2c introduced a new on-board [[Wi-Fi]] service free to all customers. Also, it has an on-board entertainment service called Vista. c2c has partnered with Now TV to provide free television shows available to stream for c2c passengers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/travelling-with-us/on-board/vista/ |title=Free onboard WiFi and entertainment - Trains to/from London, Southend & Essex with c2c Rail |website=c2c-online.co.uk |access-date=21 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414162129/http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/travelling-with-us/on-board/vista/ |archive-date=14 April 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/33286/c2c-entertainment-gomedia/ |title=New on-board entertainment for c2c passengers |website=globalrailwayreview.com |date=4 April 2017 |access-date=27 April 2024 |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427130033/https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/33286/c2c-entertainment-gomedia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the summer of 2019, c2c ran an hourly weekend limited stop service between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness.<ref>{{cite web |last=Holden |first=Michael |title=London to Southend in less than 45 minutes… at weekends? |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/03/london-to-southend-in-less-than-45-minutes-at-weekends.html |publisher=RailAdvent |access-date=2 February 2023 |date=1 March 2019}}</ref> The new service coincided with the weekend extension of Fenchurch Street to Southend Central via Ockendon trains to Shoeburyness, providing a seven trains per hour service between Shoeburyness and Benfleet on Saturdays and a five trains per hour service on Sundays.<ref>{{cite web |last=Longhorn |first=Danny |title=London-Southend in under 45 minutes on new fast c2c weekend trains |url=https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/london-southend-in-under-45-minutes-on-new-fast-c2c-weekend-trains/ |publisher=RailBusinessDaily |access-date=2 February 2023 |date=27 February 2019}}</ref>

In September 2019, it was announced that c2c had invested more than £10{{nbsp}}million into a new self service ticketing system with a user-friendly self-service interface developed with Voodoo Park. The interface is completely web-based and can be remotely repaired.<ref name=":0" /> The ticket machines installed in 2019 are from the Italian company Sigma Spa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sigmaspa.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=318:sigma-trenitalia-c2c-ltd-en&catid=12:news&lang=en&Itemid=182 |title=London – Sigma Spa and Trenitalia C2C Ltd have successfully signed an MSA |date=3 September 2018 |access-date=22 March 2022 |publisher=Sigma Spa |archive-date=3 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103125311/https://www.sigmaspa.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=318:sigma-trenitalia-c2c-ltd-en&catid=12:news&lang=en&Itemid=182 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 23 September 2019, c2c announced that it would be removing the first-to-last staffing at some stations and reducing ticket-office opening hours.<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release |url=https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/ticket-office-consultation/ |title=c2c consultation on ticket office opening hours {{!}} Trains to/from London, Southend & Essex with c2c Rail |date=22 September 2019 |publisher=c2c |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924164215/https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/ticket-office-consultation/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/17873953.train-stations-lose-permanent-security-guards/ |title=Train stations to lose permanent security guards |work=Echo |first=Poppie |last=Webster |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=27 April 2024 |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427125009/https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/17873953.train-stations-lose-permanent-security-guards/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 31 March 2020, Trenitalia and the Department for Transport entered into an emergency measures agreement to vary the terms of the franchise agreement during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Emergency Measures Agreement in respect of the Franchise Agreement dated 15 July 2014 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/915291/essex-thameside-c2c-emergency-measures-agreement.pdf |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=2 February 2023 |date=31 March 2020}}</ref> This took effect on 1 April 2020 and lasted until 20 September 2020. On 19 September 2020, Trenitalia and the Department for Transport entered into an emergency recovery measures agreement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Emergency Recovery Measures Agreement |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/955245/DfT-Trenitalia-C2C-Limited-Emergency-Recovery-Measures-Agreement-Sept-2020.pdf |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=2 February 2023 |date=19 September 2020}}</ref> This was a precursor to the replacement of the franchise agreement with a rail contract.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ilaria Grasso |last=Macola |title=Explained: the end of the rail franchising system in the UK |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/features/explained-the-end-of-the-railway-franchising-system-in-the-uk/ |website=Railway-technology.com |date=23 September 2020 |access-date=2 February 2023 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202065146/https://www.railway-technology.com/features/explained-the-end-of-the-railway-franchising-system-in-the-uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rail contract (2021–2025)===
On 19 July 2021, the franchise agreement was replaced with a rail contract, which was due to expire on 23 July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trenitalia c2c Limited 2021: rail contract |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045007/trenitalia-c2c-ltd-rail-contract.pdf |publisher=Department for Transport |date=19 July 2021 |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-date=7 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107094931/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045007/trenitalia-c2c-ltd-rail-contract.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Trenitalia c2c Limited 2021: business plan commitments |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045008/trenitalia-c2c-ltd-business-plan-commitments.pdf |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=29 January 2023 |archive-date=7 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107094932/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045008/trenitalia-c2c-ltd-business-plan-commitments.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

During May 2022, the timetable was amended to accommodate the London Overground extension to {{rws|Barking Riverside}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Timetable change 15 May |url=https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/timetable-change-15-may/ |access-date=2 February 2023 |date=April 2022 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202114945/https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/timetable-change-15-may/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the extension having started running in July 2022 as a spur from the Tilbury loop line east of Barking, sharing infrastructure with c2c services.

c2c has been one of several train operators impacted by the [[2022–present United Kingdom railway strikes]], which was the first national rail strike in the UK for three decades.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61573206 |title=Rail strike: RMT union votes for national action |work=[[BBC News]] |date=24 May 2022 |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524200021/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61573206 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/strike-dates-this-week-when-train-tube-strikes-start-why-how-travel-affected-1695412 |title=The dates of the train, Tube and bus strikes this week, and how services will be affected |date=20 June 2022 |website=i (newspaper) |access-date=24 June 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624100918/https://inews.co.uk/news/strike-dates-this-week-when-train-tube-strikes-start-why-how-travel-affected-1695412 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its workers are amongst those who are participating in [[industrial action]] owing to a dispute over pay and working conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24226063.c2c-strike-action-service-affected-week/ |title=c2c strike action: how service is affected from this week |publisher=echo-news.co.uk |date=2 April 2014 |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=26 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426195042/https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24226063.c2c-strike-action-service-affected-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/05/rmt-and-aslef-strike-action-to-impact-c2c-services.html |title=RMT and ASLEF strike action to impact c2c services |website=railadvent.co.uk |first=Janine |last=Booth |date=6 May 2023 |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=25 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425105228/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/05/rmt-and-aslef-strike-action-to-impact-c2c-services.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===State ownership===
In the lead up to the [[2024 United Kingdom general election]], the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] of [[Keir Starmer]] committed itself to bring the passenger operations of the British rail network back under [[state ownership]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Elgot |first1=Jessica |last2=Topham |first2=Gwyn |date=24 April 2024 |title=Labour promises rail nationalisation within five years of coming to power |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/24/labour-promises-rail-nationalisation-within-five-years-of-coming-to-power |access-date=8 February 2025 |work=The Guardia |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 2024 |title=Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68889345 |access-date=8 February 2025 |work=BBC News |archive-date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130061916/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68889345 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following its [[2024 United Kingdom general election|election in 2024]], the government introduced the ''Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024'' that received the [[royal assent]] in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2024 |title=Rail nationalisation takes a step closer with Starmer's first major public reform |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rail-nationalisation-commons-victory-reform-b2606498.html |access-date=8 February 2025 |website=The Independent |archive-date=10 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210102151/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rail-nationalisation-commons-victory-reform-b2606498.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2023, the Department for Transport announced that c2c's contract had been extended to 20 July 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 February 2023 |title=Trenitalia c2c Limited 2021: notice of variation |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1172678/trenitalia-c2c-ltd-notice-of-variation.pdf |access-date=24 July 2023 |publisher=Department for Transport |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724015257/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1172678/trenitalia-c2c-ltd-notice-of-variation.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2024, it was announced that the [[Trenitalia]] operated [[C2c (1996-2025)|c2c]] National Rail Contract would not be renewed when it expired, with [[DfT Operator]] to take over on 20 July 2025 by [[Great British Railways]].<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Espiner |first1=Tom |title=South Western, C2C, and Greater Anglia to be renationalised |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceqlnrgjr79o |access-date=4 December 2024 |work=BBC News |date=3 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207094714/https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2024/12/04-government-reveals-first-three-renationalised.html |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2024/12/04-government-reveals-first-three-renationalised.html |title=Government reveals first three operators to be renationalised after law change |publisher=[[Railnews]] |date=4 December 2024 |archive-date=7 December 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Operators to move in-house every three months |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue=1024 |date=11 December 2024 |page=14}}</ref>