Transport written question – answered at on 12 October 2011.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport
(1) what recent discussions he has had with Network Rail regarding a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport;
(2) when he plans to make an announcement of the outcomes of discussions on a transport connection between Heathrow airport, the proposed High Speed Rail 2 and the Great Western Mainline;
(3) what assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of an improved rail connection between south Wales and Heathrow airport;
(4) what estimate he has made of the change in average travel time between south Wales and Heathrow airport which would result from a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport;
(5) what discussions he has had with the owners of Cardiff airport about the likely effects of a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport;
(6) what recent estimate he has made of the cost of creating a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport.
Following publication by Network Rail of its London and South East Route Utilisation Strategy in July 2011, the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, and officials from the Department for Transport have, separately, had discussions with Network Rail and BAA regarding taking forward the recommendations in the strategy for improvements in rail access to Heathrow airport. Network Rail is now progressing further work to determine in more detail the case for a rail connection from the Great Western Main Line to Heathrow airport including an assessment of costs and the economic benefits arising from the effect on travel times. No wider stakeholder consultation has yet been undertaken. The Department for Transport expects to make a further announcement in due course.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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