FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions |
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I hear there's a consultation on AirTrack taking place - how can I contribute?
BAA, as promoters of the AirTrack scheme and the anticipated Transport Works Act Order application for it, are undertaking a first stage public consultation on the scheme. This is very specific and limited to the works required in Staines and to create the new line between Staines and Terminal 5. The consultation period runs between February and April 2008. Further details, including a downloadable version of the consultation brochure, are available via the Heathrow Airtrack page on BAA's Heathrow website. Click here to link to that BAA page. It is anticipated that a much broader consultation on the scheme generally will take place in the Autumn.
WiIl AirTrack be like the Heathrow or Gatwick Express?
Heathrow Express operates non-stop at high speeds with a 15 minute journey time to London. Despite inaccurate claims to the contrary, the AirTrack proposal is for a very different type of service. The core scheme is for trains operating at speeds and with rolling stock likely to be similar to, and possibly integrated with, the existing South West Trains suburban rail network, with end-to-end journey times of 30-40 minutes. In addition to providing airport access, these would feature a number of intermediate stops on each of the three proposed routes to Guildford, Waterloo and Reading, providing welcome additional capacity over a wide area. In addition, Heathrow, unlike Gatwick, is not a 24 hour a day airport and the present proposals for AirTrack therefore do not anticipate a 24 hour operation.
Isn't AirTrack redundant now Crossrail seems likely to go ahead?
It has always been the view of the AirTrack Forum that AirTrack and Crossrail are complementary, not competitive, schemes. They are designed for quite different purposes and will serve distinct geographic markets. AirTrack would provide direct service to the south and west of London, Crossrail would serve the A4 corridor, including areas such as Slough and Maidenhead which are not part of the AirTrack scheme. Around half of Heathrow staff and over a fifth of air passengers live in areas that would get a direct service to Heathrow with AirTrack in place.
Why don't the proposals include stations on the Kingston loop?
It is likely that many users across the SWT network would welcome the expansion of the project to include direct services to their local stations, but it would be impossible to meet all such aspirations. In the particular case of services from the Kingston/Wimbledon loop, this has been looked at previously, both in connection with former Heathrow rail access proposals and the current scheme. The service network presently proposed has so far been assessed as providing the best business case. In addition, there would be major technical challenges associated with junction layouts. Even without direct services, the AirTrack proposal will represent a step-change in opportunity for convenient public transport access to Heathrow for travellers from the area served by the loop, with convenient interchange opportunities available at Clapham Junction or Twickenham.
How much disruption will AirTrack cause, while it is being put into operation?
The rail link will run over 95kms of existing rail network and require only 4kms of new railway line and a new connection to the rail network at Staines. Operational impact on existing train services should therefore be kept to a minimum during construction.
Will its operation affect my existing service?
Some of the service patterns previously modelled would involve the replacement of a handful of current peak time services by AirTrack services. However, this conclusion was based on the assumption of no other change to the current timetable and no improvement in existing network capacity. Either or both of these variables may change in the future. Detailed work is now being undertaken to refine the modelling and re-examine this question.
Can I use AirTrack if I don't want to go to the airport?
AirTrack services will be available for all passengers to use for any journey between stations served.
Will AirTrack be subject to a premium fare. If so, why?
The economic assessment of the scheme is based on a nominal £2 fare premium for passengers wishing to board or alight at the airport. This is to ensure that occasional users and airline passengers contribute to the costs of the scheme. However, it is anticipated that airport employees and other regular users will receive discounts or subsidies to encourage them to use the AirTrack services to access the airport. Non-airport journeys will be at normal fares.
Who will pay for AirTrack?
Sources for funding for the capital cost of the scheme have not yet been secured, but it is likely to come from a combination of public and private sources, including the aviation industry, private developers who will benefit and Government funding.
Who will be responsible for its operation?
It has not been decided who will operate the trains forming the AirTrack services. Previous studies have suggested that integration with the existing South West Trains frachise is the most favourable operating mechanism, but other options are available - such as a stand-alone entity. Work is presently being undertaken to re-examine the options and discussions with the Department for Transport are taking place.
How will AirTrack interface with Crossrail and other rail services at Heathrow?
It has always been the view of the AirTrack Forum that AirTrack and Crossrail are complementary, not competitive, schemes. There has been concern that some possible operating patterns for Crossrail might have led to pressure on platform resources at Terminal 5, but the Department of Transport have confirmed that Crossrail will serve the Central Terminal Area (CTA) and Terminal 4 at Heathrow. Heathrow Express (HEX) will serve the CTA and Terminal 5. This would ensure that there is no platform capacity shortage at T5. Interchange between AirTrack and HEX (and London Underground) will be possible at T5, whilst interchange with Crossrail would be via the CTA, which will enjoy very good connections to T5, including HEX and London Underground. | 
