Business as usual on the Gatwick Express

The managing directorof Gatwick Express, David Stretch, has moved to reassure passengers that it is "business as usual" on the service.
His comments come after reports that Gatwick Express might be merged with existing, crowded commuter lines to relieve congestion on the Victoria to Brighton rail line. The proposals, by the Strategic Rail Authority, were greeted with dismay by many airlines using Gatwick, by the airport authority and by Gatwick Express itself.
"We felt that the Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) painted a very black picture for Gatwick, and it's not one that we recognise," says Stretch. "This year, passenger levels at Gatwick are close to pre-September 11 levels [approximately 30 million as compared to 32 million], and many trains at peak times are fully loaded."
Stretch was also at pains to point out that the proposals were open to consultation and the train operator has until the beginning of December to reply. "The earliest that anything is going to happen is the end of 2005. Until then, we will continue to offer a service which has twice been recognised as the best in the country."
Gatwick Express has the franchise until 2011, and no changes to the service are possible without Gatwick Express and National Express agreeing to the process. Until then, Stretch says they will continue their plans to introduce new rolling stock and improve first class, following their new system allowing first class passengers to use the airport's fast-track system of priority channels at security and passport checkpoints.