02.05.14
New rail links will improve UK connectivity to Heathrow
Heathrow, in its submissions to the Airports Commission later this month, will set out how new rail and air links will deliver benefits to passengers and business across the whole of the UK – not just to London and the South East.
According to the international airport, new rail connections will mean that more than 70% of the UK’s population will be within three hours of Heathrow by public transport.
Additionally, a new fast connection to HS2 at Old Oak Common, which was recommended by Sir David Higgins in his HS2 Plus review, would also mean that journey times between Heathrow and Birmingham will be cut by 1 hour 38 minutes, journey times to Leeds will reduce by 2 hours 08 minutes and journey times from Manchester will reduce by 1 hour 53 minutes.
Colin Matthews, Heathrow chief executive, said: “If we want growth for the future we need connections to the world’s fast growing markets and that means a hub airport like Heathrow.
“New air and rail links including HS2, Western Rail, Southern Rail and Crossrail will transform journey times from Heathrow compared to today. Millions more people will have quick access to the UK’s global hub and be within easy reach of the world’s markets.”
It is expected that new direct access to the Great Western Main Line will also cut journey times from Cardiff by 37 minutes. This is because passengers will no longer face the inconvenience of having to travel to Heathrow via central London or negotiating the London Underground network with luggage.
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