Press Release

BAA Gatwick thanks travellers for rating Gatwick Express Best Train Company in the country


26 January 2006

For a record fifth consecutive time, Gatwick Express has secured one of the rail industries leading accolades by being voted the Best Train Company in the country.

Paul Griffiths, Managing Director, BAA Gatwick, commented on the recently won prestigious title: “This is terrific news for everyone at Gatwick; our travellers and airlines. It is timely, that within a week of BAA and National Express submitting their joint proposal to the Department for Transport to secure the long term future of Gatwick Express, that this top ranking award has been won yet again and with such high levels of public support - congratulations to Gatwick Express.”

Notes to Editors


BAA, together with National Express Group, the operators of the Gatwick Express franchise, submitted a joint proposal on 17th January to the Department of Transport to secure the long term future of the Gatwick Express; the high speed dedicated rail link between London and Gatwick Airport. The plans are in response to the Department for Transport which is re-examining the Strategic Rail Authority’s (SRA) Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS). In September 2004, the SRA recommended scrapping the Gatwick Express in favour or more non dedicated stopping trains. The joint BAA/National Express plan offers a compromise solution for rail and airport users which will see:

• More seats available for all passengers – rail and air

• A more punctual service for all users of the Brighton Main Line, with improved reliability

• Retention of the high standards of customer service currently enjoyed by Gatwick Express passengers which have seen it voted the nation’s favourite train service a record five times in succession

• Rail services that support the growth of Gatwick Airport, helping to keep cars off the road and therefore improving air quality and congestion around the airport.


 

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