Heathrow Express managers remain optimistic about the service’s future, after the latest passenger rail usage figures showed another year-on-year decrease.
Heathrow Express managers remain optimistic about the service’s future, after the latest passenger rail usage figures showed another year-on-year decrease.
Data published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) showed passenger numbers between Heathrow and London Paddington in the April 1-June 30 quarter were down 12% compared with the corresponding three-month period in 2023.
It was the fourth time in the last five quarters that Heathrow Express recorded a year-on-year decrease. At the same time, the number of passengers flying from the airport is at a record high.
In its latest report, the ORR noted: “Heathrow Express had the largest decrease with 12% fewer passenger journeys than the previous year. Increased competition with the Elizabeth line for journeys between Heathrow and London Paddington may have contributed to this reduction.”
Mark Eastwood, Commercial Strategy Lead at Heathrow Express, said the Elizabeth line “complements” his own service’s offering.
“For Heathrow Express, yes we expected an impact because actually not everyone wants to go to or from Paddington,” he added.
The Elizabeth line operates six trains an hour to Heathrow. But without luggage racks or spaces, commuters have complained about overcrowding.
Eastwood explained: “We have seen people try the Elizabeth line, and some have moved back.
“Our trains are built for travellers with luggage and with the space. The Elizabeth line is built for commuters mainly. They don’t have luggage racks and USBs, and people do see the value in that.
“People want a dedicated direct airport service.”
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Derek Amitri - 11/12/2024 08:54
HEx is pointless now we have Crossrail. Get rid of it and rejig the Crossrail timetable slightly to give semi-fast journeys to T5 and all-stations to T4. Return 4 tph paths to the Fast lines for extra resilience.