Press Release

BAA Gatwick's Managing Director congratulates TOC Gatwick Express on coming top in National


05 February 2007

The result of an independent national passenger rail survey has shown that the Gatwick Express remains the leading fully franchised train operating company for the seventh consecutive time.

The National Passenger Survey provides a network- wide picture of passengers’ satisfaction with rail travel. Passengers’ opinion on train services are collected twice a year, with passengers questioned on 29 aspects of their train service, including issues such as cleanliness, comfort and provision of on - board passenger information.

Gatwick Express scored 94 percent on overall customer satisfaction, confirming its status as the Train Operating Company (TOC), with the best customer satisfaction scores. Whilst Heathrow Express as a non franchised operator scored 96 percent, once again demonstrating that both rail- air services deliver a world class performance in terms of customer service and satisfaction.

Congratulating Gatwick Express staff on their success, BAA Gatwick’s Managing Director Paul Griffiths said: “It’s ironic that as the Gatwick Express receives this accolade for the seventh consecutive time, we are awaiting the Government’s decision on the future of the service following on from its public consultation which closed in December last year. The survey results are crucial in showing the importance of retaining such a successful train service for Gatwick Airport, passengers, airlines and the business community. BAA has fought a fervent campaign to save the existing service and has secured the backing of more than 40 MPs from across all parties to support a Parliamentary motion calling for the Gatwick Express to be saved.

“The airline community has also united to show their support of saving the service and we would like to strongly urge the Government to take account of this support when considering the future of the service”.

Notes to Editors
Reasons for the non-stop, dedicated Gatwick Express to be retained.

The Gatwick Express is the most reliable service on the Brighton Main Line. Passengers have confidence in the service. The Gatwick Express is fast and frequent. The journey time between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport is just 30 minutes. The Gatwick Express keeps cars off the road, alleviates congestion around the airport, and reduces carbon emissions. Many major companies use the Gatwick Express service, helping to make the region an even more attractive place to do business. BAA Gatwick submitted its first response to the Strategic Rail Authority’s consultation on the Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Study entitled “Murder of the Gatwick Express” in December 2004. Since then there has been on-going dialogue between BAA and the Department for Transport’s Rail Division.

ADVERTISEMENTS