Rail company criticised over Gatwick Express plans

08.02.10

Rail operator Southern has been criticised over its plans to introduce ticket barriers at Gatwick Airport and to use older trains on its Gatwick Express service, the Argus reports. Installing barriers means passengers will be delayed as they will no longer be able to buy their tickets on the train.

The plans were described as a ‘retrograde step’ by Peter Hall, from the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (GATCOM). He said: ‘One of the great things about the Gatwick Express is that people can get straight on the train and then buy their ticket. It makes a big difference to the passenger experience.’ He also hit out at Southern's decision to replace its existing rolling stock with older trains.

However, spokesman for the rail operator defended the changes and said they were a stipulation of its franchise agreement with the Government. He said ticket barriers would ‘protect revenue’ and ‘discourage undesirables from using the railway from the airport, increasing both the safety and security of passengers who use the station and trains legally’.

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