A campaign is gathering momentum to shut down the Gatwick Express, the dedicated but costly train service linking London to one of its busiest airports. The central argument from campaigners is that this premium service is often neither the quickest nor the most economical choice for travellers, creating a system they deem to be a 'fiction'.
The Case Against the Express
The independent campaigning organisation, Rail Future, is leading the charge. Its representative, Neil Middleton, contends that the Gatwick Express should be abolished as a separate operator and fully integrated into the standard, cheaper rail services. The core of the issue lies in the service's frequency and price. Currently, there are only two Gatwick Express services per hour from London Victoria, each commanding a hefty price tag of over £20 for a single journey.
In contrast, passengers have several more budget-friendly alternatives. There are six Southern services per hour also running from Victoria station to Gatwick Airport. Crucially, these journeys take only two minutes longer than the Gatwick Express but cost approximately £10 less. Further adding to the competitive landscape are the Thameslink trains from London Bridge, which are reportedly the four fastest services per hour from central London to the airport.
Passenger Confusion and Crowding
This disparity in cost and speed has a direct and visible impact on passenger behaviour and comfort. Savvy travellers who are aware of the alternatives frequently opt for the cheaper Southern and Thameslink services. This rational choice leads to a bizarre and inefficient outcome: Gatwick Express carriages often run empty, while the more affordable trains become overcrowded.
The problem of airport access is set to intensify. The government has recently approved plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport, a move that has dismayed environmental groups. This expansion is expected to significantly increase passenger numbers. A government condition for the expansion stipulates that at least 54 per cent of journeys to the airport must be made by public transport. Projections indicate this could mean over 110,000 passengers travelling to the terminal on a single day by the late 2030s.
A Proposed Solution for the Future
In a formal letter sent to the rail minister, Lord Hendy, Rail Future has laid out a clear proposal to rectify the situation. The organisation's solution involves a complete overhaul of the current service. They have called for the Gatwick Express brand to be scrapped and its operations incorporated into the local service network.
The key recommendations include making every fast train between Victoria and the airport a de facto 'Gatwick Express' service and charging one simple, standardised fare for the route. An additional improvement suggested is for these services to stop at Clapham Junction. This single change would open up easy connections for hundreds more passengers, providing links to over 200 stations served from that hub and improving connections to destinations like Brighton.
