As part of an abandoned round of re-franchising, bids were received from the shortlisted parties in September 2012 with a winner expected to be announced in January 2013.

[1] In January 2013 the government announced a revised invitation to tender would be issued in summer 2013 with an interim contract for up to two years to be negotiated with National Express.

[4][5][6][7] Passenger services on the London, Tilbury and Southend line were part of the Network SouthEast sector of British Rail.

LTS Rail was incorporated on 9 June 1994 as a subsidiary of the British Railways Board and acted as a 'shadow franchise' ahead of being offered to private operators.

On 3 February 1996 the franchise was withdrawn from Enterprise Rail, pending an inquiry into allegations of ticketing and settlement irregularities.

[12] Due to unexpected passenger growth, the franchise was renegotiated in 1998 to provide:[13] An additional stop under the management of London Underground was opened on the route at West Ham in 1999.

[14][15] In 2002 responsibility for managing the main terminal station at Fenchurch Street transferred from the franchisee to Network Rail and in July that year the train operator was rebranded c2c.

[16] However following the 2010 United Kingdom General Election there was a change of government and the franchise renewal process was delayed so it could be reviewed.

[17] On 29 March 2012 the Department for Transport announced that Abellio, First, MTR and National Express had been shortlisted for the Essex Thameside franchise.