25.10.16
‘Major improvement’ needed in rail links to airports following Heathrow decision
better rail links to all of the capital’s airports, London TravelWatch has said.
The government announced the controversial and substantially delayed decision today, with transport secretary Chris Grayling saying it “delivers the greatest economic and strategic benefits”.
But the transport watchdog said the decision should be followed by substantial improvements to rail links in London, including direct rail links from South London, North West Surrey and the Thames Valley to Heathrow Airport, and prioritising electrification of the North Downs rail route, which serves Gatwick.
Stephen Locke, chair of London TravelWatch, added: “Now that the government has made a decision on extra capacity, plans will be needed for a major step change improvement in public transport infrastructure.
“Current links just aren't good enough for current demand levels, let alone those projected in future.”
Locke’s comments echo findings in a Transport Select Committee report published in February, which argued that the government should provide better rail links to airports – including by utilising the extra capacity of HS2.
London TravelWatch added that in the shorter term, incremental improvements at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton should be used to make better use of increasing capacity.
Luton Airport said yesterday that the new East Midlands franchise should include a requirement for four express train services an hour to the airport. In contrast, Govia Thameslink Railway announced last week that it will cancel 33 Gatwick Express services a day until 12 December to cope with autumn-related delays.
(Image c. Yui Mok from PA Wire and PA Images)
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