GATWICK EXPRESS EXTENDS
After a hard fought campaign to retain the service, WSEP welcomed the launch of the extended peak hour Gatwick Express service to Brighton and intermediate stations on 14th December.  But the 12-car service has had a mixed reception so far with early reports criticising a very slow running service from Gatwick to the Coast.

SEEDA Chairman, Jim Brathwaite, says: "The Gatwick Express should be left alone in its original format and should wait until the station at Gatwick has been remodeled before looking at further services to the coast.  We need trains suitable for people arriving from all over the world with luggage who want to go to London; this will become particularly important with the build up to the Olympic Games just three years away."

Andy Flower, MD of Gatwick Airport, comments: "We've worked closely with Southern, the train operating company, on the changes to the Gatwick Express. While we regard these changes as a compromise and we're aware that there were some early operational issues, Southern is working hard to make the revised timetable work. The introduction of specially refurbished trains will endeavour to meet the twin needs of commuters and air passengers."
 

If you have any views on the new service, please contact WSEP who are keen to assess performance so that they can open further discussions with Southern on improvements if necessary.

Info@wsep.org.uk