Train service commended in national survey

4:00pm Monday 5th February 2007

Airport bosses claim glowing results for a survey about its train service proves it should be kept.

Gatwick Express came top in a national passenger questionnaire but faces the possibility of being axed in a Government review of the Brighton mainline.

The service scored 94 per cent on overall customer satisfaction in the independent National Passenger Survey.

It is the seventh consecutive time Gatwick Express has come top.

BAA Gatwick's managing director Paul Griffiths said: "It's ironic that as the Gatwick Express receives this accolade for the seventh consecutive time, we are awaiting the Government's decision on the future of the service following on from its public consultation which closed in December last year.

"The survey results are crucial in showing the importance of retaining such a successful train service for Gatwick Airport, passengers, airlines and the business community.

"BAA has fought a fervent campaign to save the existing service and has secured the backing of more than 40 MPs from across all parties to support a Parliamentary motion calling for the Gatwick Express to be saved.

"The airline community has also united to show their support of saving the service and we would like to strongly urge the Government to take account of this support when considering the future of the service."

The Government review of the Brighton mainline is aimed at reducing over-crowded trains, particularly for commuters.

Results are expected to be announced in the spring.

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