Heathrow could get new rail links with its third runway

The UK government is consulting on the the framework for a third runway at Heathrow airport, but the London Assembly has argued that if this goes ahead, rail capacity should be upgraded to accommodate the increased demand.

In a letter to the Transport Secretary, the London Assembly Transport Committee raised its concerns over the issue of transport to the airport and advised that public transport options be expanded if a third runway is constructed.

Committee Chair Caroline Russell said that close to half of passengers travelling from Heathrow arrive in a vehicle of some variety, whether that is a private car or taxi. Expanding the airport could therefore result in more pressure being placed on the surrounding road network.

Russell said that the plan should ensure there is no net increase in traffic as a result of the expansion, and that a significant decrease in demand be achieved ahead of the expansion being completed.

To achieve this reduction in vehicle traffic, public transport could be made the first choice for passengers travelling to and from Heathrow, and more rail links could potentially be added to improve the airport’s accessibility.

The Committee noted that there have been proposals for separate Western and Southern Rail links connecting Heathrow, with the proposed Western Rail Link being more developed and the business case for the project being positive.

However, Network Rail has said that funding would need to be made available to develop a detailed design.

The Committee is concerned about increased crowding and reduced reliability on the Piccadilly line and the creation of substantial new demand on the Elizabeth line if the expansion were to go ahead without adequate provision for transport.

TfL previously estimated that up to £15 billion in new investment would be required to enable a third runway at Heathrow, and the Committee is concerned at how this inevitably necessary public transport capacity upgrade will be funded.

“It is currently estimated that roughly 42% of passengers travel to Heathrow using public
transport,” Russell said.

“In order to achieve the goal of making public transport the first choice, millions more public transport journeys would be required than take place today.”

“While the Committee welcomes this guiding principle and supports this target, it is clear that without the accompanying investment this will simply place unacceptable and insurmountable pressure on the existing system,” she said.

“Regardless of any decision to build a third runway at Heathrow, communities in the south and west of London must be protected from congestion with new rail links to the airport, and these should be included in Heathrow’s proposals for expansion.”

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