The AirTrack Forum - Membership, Objectives and Activity.

The AirTrack Forum consists of organisations with a common interest in seeing AirTrack built.  It was founded in Autumn 2000, through the initiative of British Airways, and is chaired by Surrey County Council.  

Participants include a cross-section of local authorities, businesses and community organisations from Surrey, London and Berkshire; together with British Airways, Transport for London's Rail Directorate, the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the SWELTRAC (South and West London Transport Conference) partnership, the Highways Agency and BAA Ltd.  User interests are represented by London TravelWatch and Passengerfocus.

Objectives

The Forum's objectives include:

• Creating a wider knowledge of the AirTrack project and the benefits it could bring, both to its users and to the broader community.
• Persuading potential investors and decision makers of its viability, importance and deserved priority.
• Supporting and encouraging the AirTrack scheme promoters, Heathrow Airport Ltd and any other partners such as Network Rail, in the process of obtaining a Transport Works Act Order for the AirTrack scheme and to encourage progress towards its ultimate realisation.
• Pressing other organisations and government bodies for actions and decisions, to ensure progress with the project.

Activity

Since its inception, the AirTrack Forum has sought to inform and persuade decision makers in Government and other key stakeholders of the practicality, importance and value of the AirTrack scheme.

The most recent major work commissioned by the Forum is a study undertaken by consultants SDG to identify the wider economic benefits of the scheme (see Latest News).

Previously, amongst its other activity, the Forum commissioned a major study ("Outline Business Case") from consultants Atkins.   This was completed in early 2004 and confirmed the business and practical case for the scheme.   Subsequently, the Forum was actively involved in studies undertaken during 2005 on behalf of the SRA (Strategic Rail Authority) and the Rail Division of the Department for Transport which reconfirmed the findings of the earlier work (see Reports & Publications).

A broad range of other commitments has included items as diverse as the publication of an information leaflet in 2004 - newly updated and republished in November 2007; a Parliamentary briefing/reception for MP's and Lords; many presentations to groups as diverse as London and local business organisations, rail enthusiasts, local authority and environmental groups; participation in a regional "Olympic Roadshow"; and engagement with EU organisations in Brussels.

During 2008 and beyond, the Forum will be engaging with the scheme promoters to see how best we may assist with moving the proposal forward to the anticipated TWA (Transport & Works Act) application.