April 2008 - Wider Economic Benefit Study; TWA progress
Wider Economic Benefit Study
During 2007, the AirTrack Forum commissioned consultants SDG to undertake a detailed study in to the Wider Economic Benefits of the AirTrack proposal (the WEB study). The objective was to assess benefits which may not have been captured by previous studies, in line with the latest guidance from the Department for Transport.
This work was made possible by generous financial contributions from the SE England Regional Assembly on behalf the SE Regional Transport Board and from the SE England Development Agency.
The study was based on data from a study previously undertaken by Atkins for the AirTrack Forum - the "Outline Business Case", published in 2004, as this was more readily available than that subsequently developed by Arup for a later study undertaken on behalf of the then Strategic Rail Authority. The Atkins data resulted in a lower level of benefits than that resulting from the Arup work and, as a result, the associated Wider Economic Benefits calculated by SDG may also be under-reported. (see Reports and Publications, What is AirTrack and About Us for further information on these previous studies).
The initial WEB study results, announced at the Forum's Annual Meeting on 1 November 2007, indicate that the Benefit:Cost Ratio for the project would improve by around 30% if the additional benefits assessed by the study were included. It also found the potential for futher additional contribution arising from improved access to Heathrow; a potential for additional employment generation in the immediate local area to the proposed new station in Staines and increased productivity throughout the AirTrack corridor.
It is expected that the Forum will maximise the value from the study by using the results to support the work presently being undertaken by BAA to progress towards an application for a TWA (Transport & Works Act) Order for the project and also in support of any future bids for funding for the project.
The final report of the WEB study can be accessed via the Reports and Publications page of this website.
TWA progress
At the Forum's Annual Meeting on 1 November 2007, BAA reported in detail on the progress being made with the preparation for an application for a TWA (Transport & Works Act) Order for the project. A TWA order would give powers to construct and operate the railway, acquire the necessary land and associated planning consents.
Work is currently going on to verify that additional capacity for AirTrack services exists or can be created or the rail network; A detailed engineering assessment of the work required to provide the link from Staines to Heathrow is being undertaken; Consultants have been appointed to undertake the significant work that will be necessary on environmental and sustainability issues; Detailed demand modelling will assist in refining the business case; Options for train operation and maintenance are being investigated.
Comprehensive consultations are expected to take place during 2008. A first-stage consultation, focusing on the works required to provide the link from Terminal 5 to Staines, was launched by BAA in February 2008. Further details, including a downloadable version of the inital consultation brochure can be found via BAA's Heathrow Airport website. A link may be found on the Home page of this website.
