A new overnight train service is set to be trialled.
From June 6, Great Western Railway (GWR) will begin a 12-week trial of a new overnight service to Gatwick Airport.
The trial will operate two services from Reading to Gatwick and three return services every Saturday morning, plus one service from Reading and two from Gatwick every Monday morning.
The service will call at Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick.
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer at Gatwick Airport said: “We’re delighted to work in partnership with Great Western Railway to introduce these new overnight services, which will make travelling to and from London Gatwick even easier for both passengers catching early flights and staff working at the airport.
“Strengthening sustainable, reliable public transport links is vital as our route network grows, and this trial represents a significant step in improving choice and convenience for our passengers across the region.”
Read more
Sainsbury’s issues statement to UK drivers amid fuel shortages
Sainsbury’s issues statement to UK drivers amid fuel shortages
Road blighted by landslide to close for 11 days in latest disruption
Road blighted by landslide to close for 11 days in latest disruption
Man fighting parking fine says road next to supermarket is a ‘honey trap’
Man fighting parking fine says road next to supermarket is a ‘honey trap’
GWR services currently only run between 4.30am to 11.30pm, meaning passengers with early departures or late arrivals cannot travel by train to or from the west.
The provider said the trial will test demand for early-morning and late-night services, connecting customers with flights from major airlines such as easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways.
Tom McNamee, infrastructure director, speaking on behalf of Network Rail, said: “Over the past 4 years, Network Rail has invested £50 million into improving the signalling on the North Downs Line.
“This signalling upgrade, modernising and improving safety on this important stretch of line, will now also benefit Great Western Railway’s next steps towards introducing night time services. By having these services running through the night, we can better serve the Gatwick Airport community with a more sustainable way to access London’s second busiest airport.