02.06.14
Gatwick Airport’s rail capacity to double by 2020
Gatwick Airport says that by 2019 it hopes to have train services to central London every 2.5 minutes, with its rail capacity doubled by 2020 and nearly trebled by 2035.
In its latest document – Gatwick: transforming road and rail ready for a second runway by 2021 – the airport said the reach of rail services will be extended to serve 175 stations directly, including Oxford, Cambridge and Peterborough, and to more than 1,000 stations with one change.
Additionally, it is hoped the dedicated non-stop Gatwick Express service will be transformed with new trains being rolled out on Thameslink services through Gatwick to London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras/ King’s Cross and beyond.
Hugh Sumner, senior transport advisor for London Gatwick, said: “Gatwick will be road and rail ready for a second runway by 2021 with no additional cost to the taxpayer. The ease at which these improvements can be delivered adds yet more weight to the obvious case for a new runway at Gatwick.”
He added that Gatwick road and rail access will start transforming over the coming years through funded schemes such as Thameslink.
“Gatwick already has the highest proportion of passengers travelling by public transport and these improvements will help encourage even more. We want 60% of our customers to use public transport, comparable with the best globally and better than any UK airport,” added Sumner.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]