F O RU M F O R U M
HEATHROW EXPRESS HAS DECLINING PASSENGER NUMBERS, WHILE THE ELIZABETH LINE REPORTS STRONG GROWTH
AMCWHIRTER
Heathrow Express (HEX) is losing passengers faster than any other UK rail operator, facing competition from the Elizabeth Line and its lower fares. It was recently reported that the Lizzy Line increased passenger carryings by 40% from 2022 to 2023
MARTYNSINCLAIR
I am London-based and can count on one hand how many times I have used HEX. Prices and Paddington were enough to put me off. With the Elizabeth Line, I now use the underground for most of my Heathrow visits. Getting an Uber/Bolt from Heathrow generally involves a 20-30 minute wait, by which time the Elizabeth Line has got you into the West End. Any sensible London-bound passenger would use the Elizabeth Line.
TRANSTRAXMAN
Is it not time for Heathrow Express to give up the ghost and call it a day?
If the purpose of such a train link is to connect unconnected destinations then the logical “missing link” is from Heathrow to Stansted. Linking two of London´s big airports makes tremendous sense. The problem is how to do it. Merging Heathrow Express with Stansted Express and the Lizzy line might be the best solution. An added advantage would be freeing up, at least, two platforms at Paddington and Liverpool Street for other services – be them intercity, regional or commuter lines. Now is the time to make the move.
TIMFITZGERALDTC
I think London Gatwick and Heathrow need a direct rail connection before Stansted and Heathrow.
SWISSDIVER
I liked HEX for its roomy business class with large seats. But it chose to reduce the comfort at about the same time the Elizabeth Line arrived. So now it is a no brainer: Elizabeth Line it is, with a substantial saving.
CHEERUP
The Elizabeth Line is quick, clean, efficient and connects to more stations with National Rail traffic – which all add up to higher
X2000TRAVELLER
Remember that the Elizabeth Line has been unreliable and also only offers two trains per hour to T5, with a further two connections per hour by changing onto HEX at Heathrow Central Area (Terminal 2/3) – the connection between there and T5 is free – getting in about seven minutes ahead of the next fast Lizzy train. I’ve had to get a bus from
Hayes and Harlington to the Central Area when the Elizabeth Line had delays.
‘ Is it not time for Heathrow Express to give up the ghost and call it a day?’
demand. It also looks to be half the price of HEX.
NICK PIKE
The Elizabeth Line is a revelation. So much better than every other train line in London. It’s fabulous getting to Bond Street from Liverpool Street in 15 minutes and to Canary Wharf in even less time.
ADAMMARLEY
The Elizabeth Line is a victim of its own success in rush hour. Current trains arrive packed with travellers and luggage, right when local residents are trying to get to work. Frequently people are left on the platform. I have no idea about the
complexities of scheduling trains on railways, but it would be a real relief if HEX were made to give up its four slots each way every hour and they could be given over to the Elizabeth Line to ease congestion. HEX staff also try to flog
unsuspecting tourists full price tickets before they get into the T5 arrivals hall and find out that the Elizabeth Line is much cheaper. HEX has had a good run, but it’s time to move aside.
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Because of the layout of the Great Western route, if HEX vanished and the Elizabeth Line (hypothetically) took over the four fast trains per hour to Paddington, these trains would have to terminate at Paddington and couldn’t feed into the tunnel. There’s not enough capacity to allow the fast lines to connect across in that way.
Season’s greetings to all of our customers, from us all at Timothy London.
And if you’re in London to see the festive lights, come to 108 Jermyn Street and experience our lovely luggage. Or visit us online
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Jan25BT_UK.indd 2 DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 15/11/2024 14:15 BUSINESS TRAVELLER 09
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