A RAIL operator has pledged to set up a public meeting with commuters to address their frustrations over long train delays.

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer met with Network Rail chief executive David Higgins yesterday after a day of train chaos on October 18 in which dozens of services were cancelled or severely delayed.

The problem stemmed from a bolt which had not been properly welded to adjoining equipment by the manufacturer, which caused part of the overhead line to work loose and come into contact with a passing train, which in turn caused further damage to the overhead lines.

Mr Gummer said: “I’m pleased we’re beginning to see progress in how this problem is going to be addressed over the next two years.

“I was also glad to be able to pass on to David Higgins the extreme frustration that many of my constituents have when things go wrong, the stress it’s causing for them and their families, and the economic damage it’s doing to our town.

“The proof will be in the pudding, and I hope we will see some improvements over the next few months and years.”

Target dates were also set for work to be completed to minimise further disruption for passengers, as the operator’s �200million project to replace overhead lines across the network is carried out.

Engineers will assess all parts of the line over the next few months to check which sections will be most vulnerable to extreme heat, with parts which are at higher risk taking priority for repair work by summer 2012.

The speed restrictions imposed by sagging overhead lines – some of which date from the 1950s and are part of the reason for the upgrade – will also be minimised by 2013 and completely phased out by 2014.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Yesterday’s meeting was extremely productive.

“We took the opportunity to apologise once again for the disruption to passengers’ journeys last week and to allay Mr Gummer’s concerns relating to the �200m upgrade of the overhead lines between London and Chelmsford.”