Heathrow unveils future rail access plans

FOLLOWING the announcement earlier this week that the British Airports Authority has decided to shelve a controversial rail link from Heathrow's Terminal 5 through south-west London due to a lack of money, Heathrow Airport has unveiled a new rail strategy with a view to improving the passenger experience, taking cars off the road and placing the economic benefits of the UK’s only hub airport at the centre of the national rail network.

To date Heathrow has invested more than £1 billion on Heathrow Express and other rail services, and has committed a further £230 million to Crossrail. However, the new programme, called the Wider Heathrow Integrated Rail Strategy (WHIRS), will seek to build on previous investment by ensuring that Heathrow has fast, frequent and comfortable rail connections for passengers, while at the same time improving links to the surrounding community.

The WHIRS will ensure that Crossrail provides passenger-friendly, convenient connections for Heathrow travellers. The airport operator will also continue to invest in upgrades to Heathrow Express.There is also a strong case for rail access from the west of Heathrow, providing a direct connection with Slough, Reading and the Thames Valley for the first time, as well as the south-west via the Great Western Mainline.

Heathrow hasalso welcomed the Government’s plan for placing the airport at the heart of the country’s high-speed rail network and will now work with them to ensure high-speed rail is properly linked to Heathrow and the regional rail network for the benefit of all passengers.

However, Heathrow has decided to withdraw its Transport and Works Act Order application for the proposed Airtrack link to Staines.