Gatwick Airport is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of its new look station. This exciting development is set to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and further establish Gatwick as a world-class airport. The new station has been meticulously designed with the aim of providing improved accessibility, convenience, and comfort for all travelers. With state-of-the-art facilities and modern architectural features, the new look station will undoubtedly impress both domestic and international passengers alike. Gatwick Airport is committed to continually investing in infrastructure improvements to ensure the highest level of service and convenience for our valued customers. We look forward to welcoming passengers to the new look station and providing them with an exceptional travel experience.
Purpose of Transformation
Gatwick Airport's newly renovated station is scheduled to open on Tuesday, November 21st, offering passengers a more accessible and convenient travel experience. The station's transformation aims to improve the journey from train to plane, particularly for those traveling between Brighton and London, by providing faster, more reliable connections.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail Sussex route director, emphasized that this project not only benefits airport-bound travelers but also enhances the overall travel experience for passengers in the region. By creating quicker journeys and a more reliable timetable, the upgraded station will serve as a vital transportation hub.
Expanded Station Features
The expanded station includes a new second concourse and airport entrance, effectively doubling the space available for the millions of passengers who utilize the station each year. This improvement is made possible through government funding, highlighting the importance of this major public transport hub.
To enhance accessibility, eight new escalators and five new lifts have been installed, along with four additional stairways and widened platforms. These upgrades will enable passengers to move seamlessly between the train station and the airport, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
Benefits of Upgraded Station
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, noted that trains offer a sustainable alternative to driving, with a journey time of just half an hour from London to the airport. However, the current station struggles to cope with the high volume of passengers, leading to delays for all travelers. The improved facilities will alleviate congestion and queuing on platforms, helping to keep trains running on time.
Passengers traveling on the Brighton Main Line have already experienced the benefits of this project, as track upgrades have reduced journey times between Brighton and London to just one hour on some services. This improvement not only benefits those traveling to the airport but also enhances the overall efficiency of the rail network.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, highlighted the increasing number of passengers choosing to travel by rail, with over 40% now opting for this sustainable mode of transport. The fully accessible station concourse is expected to encourage even more passengers to use public transport when accessing the airport.
Improved Station Concourse
In addition to the new concourse and entrance, the existing station concourse has also been expanded and improved. It now features new customer information systems, additional ticket gates, and a dedicated passenger assistance point, all designed to enhance the overall passenger experience and facilitate smoother movement through the station.
Station Flow
The new concourse will serve as the primary entrance for passengers accessing the airport terminal, while the existing concourse will be designated for those exiting. The refurbished station concourse, footbridges, and South Terminal linkspan will provide a seamless one-way system from the train station to the airport, further streamlining the travel experience.
Summary
Overall, the opening of Gatwick Airport's upgraded station marks a significant milestone in improving connectivity and accessibility for passengers. With its enhanced facilities and improved infrastructure, this major public transport hub will undoubtedly contribute to smoother, more efficient journeys for all travelers.
(This article is sourced from globalrailwayreview.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
