BY EMAIL to xxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
18th March 2016
Dear Sir/Madam
A new approach to rail passenger services in London and the South East
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the consultation. We support the overall approach
set out in the rail prospectus and would welcome any proposals that seek to improve the
capacity, reliability and customer service on the rail network.
As important international gateways, airports can help drive economic growth. Better
connectivity to airports is important to take cars off the road, improve emissions and spread the
benefits of global connectivity to more of the population. Therefore, we would want to ensure
that the proposed partnership seeks to engage airports and recognise them as an important
stakeholder in the specification and management of rail services. Our response to each of the
questions is summarised below.
Question 1: do you agree with the principle of a partnership?
We welcome the proposed partnership approach to better integrate specification of rail
passenger services. Providing a forum for stakeholders to provide input would be helpful. As
Network Rail has identified in its own strategic planning, airports are an important market for the
rail network.
Therefore, we would suggest that airports have an important role in this process and would add
value. We would welcome explicit reference of airports as a key stakeholder for the partnership
on particular routes. Even where there is not a direct service to an airport, the routes may be
carrying airport passengers who intend to interchange.
Question 2: do you agree with the principles that the partnership will work to?
We support the principles set out within the consultation document. These are equally
important to airport passengers on the rail network as other types of rail passengers. Whilst we
recognise the challenges of accommodating commuter demands on the rail network, the rail
network should also continue to meet the needs of airport passengers.
More frequent and reliable services to airports can take cars off the road and reduce emissions.
They can also grow demand in the contra-peak and off-peak periods helping to support
investment and improvement of the rail network.
Question 3: Do you agree with the proposed governance arrangements?
The proposed governance arrangements seem sensible. It will be necessary for close working
between TfL and DfT to ensure that there is a joined up approach between inner and outer
suburban services.
Question 4: What form do you propose the input from local authorities and LEPs should
take?
We have no specific views on the method of seeking input from stakeholders but would
encourage an open, collaborative and transparent approach. We would suggest that airports
should be included in this process to ensure that the needs of airport passengers are properly
considered.
Question 5: Do you agree with the safeguards for the transfer of inner suburban to TfL?
The outline proposals to protect fares and service proposition for longer distance services would
seem sensible. We would seek similar commitments on airport services to ensure that the
needs to airport passengers continue to be met.
Question 6: Are there other outcomes you would expect to be achieved?
We have not identified any further outcomes.
We would welcome further discussion on these matters and look forward to engaging with both
TfL and DfT on these matters.
Yours sincerely,