Greater Anglia and c2c encourage people to ‘Drop the Robot and Catch Some Fun Times’

Train operators Greater Anglia and c2c are joining forces to encourage people to break out of their everyday routines and take a day out by train, with a new campaign inviting customers to ‘Drop the Robot and Catch Some Fun Times’.

For the first time, Greater Anglia and c2c – as part of GBR Anglia – are collaborating on joint marketing activity targeted at the Southend region, where both operators serve customers travelling into London.

GBR Anglia brings c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia together under one unified leadership team, aligning track and train more closely to improve reliability, resilience and customer service across the region.

The campaign aims to inspire people across East Anglia and the Southend area to change their routine and make the most of their free time by taking a day out by train, whether that means enjoying a family trip to London, catching up with friends, visiting an attraction or simply making more of the weekend.

Built around the insight that everyday life can sometimes feel repetitive and robotic, the campaign encourages people to switch off autopilot, try something different and make time for experiences that matter.

Rather than focusing on competition between operators, the campaign has a shared objective: encouraging more people to choose rail for their leisure journeys.

Both Greater Anglia’s iconic red hare and c2c’s popular character Pip feature in the creative.

The collaboration is a practical example of how the two train operators are working together to deliver benefits for customers and support a more integrated railway.

The integrated campaign will feature across a range of media, including television, cinema and radio, alongside social media, digital advertising and outdoor posters.

Rob Mullen, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, GBR Anglia, said:

“By working together on the campaign, Greater Anglia and c2c aim to reach more people with a simple message: life is for living, and the train can help make those memorable days out happen.

“We have so many great places on our network and we would encourage people to get out there and visit one of the many great destinations we serve.”

Both Greater Anglia and c2c have a range of great value fares, and customers should book direct to avoid booking fees.

The first phase will run from 20 October until mid-November 2026, before giving way to a new Christmas campaign. ‘Drop the Robot and Catch Some Fun Times’ will return next year.