Response to the Rail Utilisation Strategy on Rolling Stock

We have written in response to the current consultation on Rolling Stock.

We are very pleased to be able to submit our comments on this consultation as we have been, and continue to be, very concerned about the quality and type of rolling stock on the Brighton Main Line (BML).  In previous correspondence we have expressed our support for the retention of the Gatwick Express as well as improvements to passenger service on the BML.

Our chief concern from the Consultation exercise is for the status apparently allocated to Gatwick station and the type of Rolling Stock that would be allocated to serve it.

The table on p78 shows three carriage types, but only Type 1 would have catering, large luggage, staff and toilet facilities.

The maps on p79 shows that Gatwick is a ‘Inner Suburban’ or ‘Outer Suburban’ station and that Type 2 or 3 carriages should operate on these lines.

The inference is that passengers using Gatwick Station do not need access to catering, large luggage, staff and toilet facilities.

This is not acceptable & we would urge that trains serving Gatwick, and, in fact other Airports, are designated with all the facilities that passengers require.

If you would like to comment on the Consultation please Click Here