Gatwick Airport could lose its dedicated fast-train link to London because not enough people are using it.
The Times reports that, under plans published by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) the Gatwick Express train, from Victoria to Gatwick, will cease to operate and passengers heading for flights will have to catch standard commuter trains serving Brighton and the couth coast.
The SRA reportedly believes that the Gatwick Express is taking up too much capacity on the Brighton line – and often runs with very few passengers, while normal commuter services are extremely busy.
A source reportedly told the newspaper that once the dedicated service is terminated, trains will only stop at Gatwick for 90 seconds, adding: “The Gatwick Express currently stands at the station for 20 minutes, which allows families to get on board with all their luggage. It just won’t work to have people with heavy suitcases and rucksacks competing for space with commuters.”
The SRA reportedly said that the number of passengers using the Gatwick Express service has declined from 15,000 a day in 2001 to 12,500 this year. This is partly because of British Airways’ decision to relocate many flights from Gatwick to Heathrow.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
