FUTURE OF THE GATWICK EXPRESS

That this House expresses its deep concern at the proposals put forward by the Department for Transport to reconfigure the Gatwick Express into a stopping service; believes this will have a detrimental effect on both the air passengers at Gatwick Airport and the rail passengers along this route; believes that introducing a stopping service will increase journey times significantly and increase car journeys to and from the airport; notes that a potential infrastructure solution could emerge from Network Rail by 2011 to allow improved performance and capacity on the Brighton Main Line; further believes that the Gatwick Express is an excellent service that offers the travelling passenger a journey that is convenient, efficient and reliable; and calls upon the Department for Transport to retain a dedicated non-stop airport service to and from Gatwick Airport.