Changes to the Gatwick Express

[fozzyo]

On Friday the Strategic Rail Authority proposed to change the Gatwick Express to be extended down to the coast to ease overcrowding down to Brighton.

Trains to Brighton are often 30% over crowded while the Gatwick Express is frequently less then half full.

The plan is for the GE to run every ten minutes, call at East Croydon and towns down to the south coast.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sout ... 644206.stm

Foz xxx
)

This is an interesting proposal, but I'm not sure if the SRA will actually get much say in it as they'll be scrapped soon. LGW is already served very frequently by Southern Trains and Thameslink, albeit a mix of fast and slow services.

I just cannot imagine the commuters being very happy with having to make way for people with loads of baggage, hence why you have dedicated Airport trains.

I know the guys currently taking part in this Proposal - if I hear anymore that I can pass on I will do asap!

quote:I just cannot imagine the commuters being very happy with having to make way for people with loads of baggage, hence why you have dedicated Airport trains.

I travel regularly on the line between Gatwick and Reading, which is usually a mix of commuters, school children, and people heading to the airport. The pressure of people, suitcases, cycles etc can sometime be a bit much (especially when we're short a carriage or get the rolling stock with out luggage racks [V]). That sort of situation combined with the volume / temprement of people on a London commute would be pretty horrid, I think.

[buns]

Helen

quote:That sort of situation combined with the volume / temprement of people on a London commute would be pretty horrid, I think.

I do the commute every day on the line and even the brand new trains cannot cope with masses of luggage.

Some mornings you just cannot get a seat for so much luggage taking up avialiable seating (as there is nowhere else).

The difference in the fare is only £4 and with the journey often taking twice as long the Gatwick express is far more preferable.

(You can tell I have just got home can't you[:(!])

Buns