Gatwick Express hits the buffers

The Gatwick Express is being axed despite intense industry lobbying to retain a non-stop service.

The dedicated rail link between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport has been under threat after the Strategic Rail Authority suggested the service be withdrawn to increase capacity on the overcrowded London-Brighton line.

Rail minister Derek Twigg reportedly said that “the concept of a fast, frequent service between Gatwick and Victoria will remain”.

He added that there would still be a “high quality” service for airline passengers.

But it will no longer be a non-stop service as trains will have to serve additional stations.

Twigg reportedly said that negotiations with train operators about changes to the whole of the Brighton mainline service had begun. It is unclear whether the Gatwick Express brand will remain under operator National Express.

Continental Airlines UK director Bob Schumacher reportedly said: “The proposal to do away with a dedicated, non-stop rail service is outrageous. If implemented, it would make Gatwick less attractive as a London gateway and would adversely affect local businesses, commuters and international visitors alike.”

Delta Air Lines said it was “sceptical” about the Department for Transport’s plans for the rail link.

Atlantic region managing director Loren Neuenschwander said the airline was “concerned that the proposals do not go far enough in protecting a non-stop service that will meet the needs of passengers travelling from Gatwick.”

She added: “Before lending our support to these latest proposals from the Department for Transport, we would like to see more assurance that the quality of service currently on offer, namely a non-stop service with regular frequencies, specialised rolling stock and proper facilities forpassengers and baggage, will be maintained.”

Gatwick owner BAA said in a statement in response to the Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy: “We are pleased to see that the strategy takes account of our concerns, and those of our airlines, on the future of the Gatwick Express service. We believe that the compromise plan we’ve submitted in partnership with National Express, the operators of the Gatwick express franchise, meets the needs of the commuter and the air traveller.”

The proposal would offer more seats for all passengers, a more punctual service with improved reliability, the retaention of Gatwick Express customer setvice standards and a rail service that supports the growth of the airport.

Report by Phil Davies 

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