Despite improvements from the Elizabeth line, transport officials highlighted that Heathrow's accessibility suffers due to inadequate rail links to the south and west. Existing connections to central London are effective, but expansion requires substantial investment in new rail infrastructure. Christina Calderato from TfL noted the necessity of higher frequency services and upgrades to existing lines to cope with increased passenger demand. Transportation experts discussed plans for new rail links focusing on potential expansions to Berkshire and Surrey, indicating positive business case prospects for these developments.
Christina Calderato, TfL's director of transport strategy and policy, stated, 'The lack of [rail] connections in any direction is definitely a problem' for airport access.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail's western route director, emphasized the promising business case for the proposed western rail link, indicating its viability for future development.
Anthony Smith of the Heathrow Area Transport Forum highlighted that Terminal 5 has provisions for new rail links, stating, 'there's this huge, cavernous box ready to go'.
Calderato noted that enhancing the Elizabeth line and improving Piccadilly line services are necessary to manage increased passenger capacity at Heathrow.
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