Passengers travelling through Gatwick Airport can now enjoy the newly revamped Gatwick Airport station. The station has undergone a complete transformation, with state-of-the-art facilities and a modern design that promises to enhance the passenger experience. The new look station boasts improved accessibility, with step-free access throughout the station, making it easier for passengers with mobility issues to navigate. The station also features new retail and dining options, providing passengers with more choice and convenience. We are proud to have delivered this project and look forward to welcoming passengers to the new and improved Gatwick Airport station.
A new era has dawned for passengers at Gatwick Airport station as the doors to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility were opened this morning. This transformative development promises to revolutionize the journey from train to plane, providing passengers traveling between Brighton and London with easier, faster, and more reliable journeys.
Expanded Space and Accessibility
The newly unveiled station boasts a larger and brighter space, featuring a second concourse and airport entrance. This expansion effectively doubles the capacity to accommodate the millions of passengers who pass through the station each year.
The inaugural passengers to experience the upgraded facilities arrived on the 05.48 Thameslink Bedford to Brighton service, alighting on platform 7. The introduction of eight new escalators and five lifts marks a significant step forward in terms of accessibility. These modern additions, along with four additional stairways and widened platforms, will facilitate seamless movement between the train station and the airport, ensuring a swift and hassle-free transition for travelers.
Benefits for Passengers and the Wider Network
Passengers utilizing the Brighton Main Line have already begun reaping the rewards of this ambitious project. Recent track upgrades have resulted in reduced journey times between Brighton and London, with some services now completing the trip in just one hour.
Not only has the existing station concourse been expanded, but it has also been equipped with new customer information systems and additional ticket gates. A dedicated passenger assistance point has been established to enhance the overall experience for travelers, enabling them to navigate through the station more swiftly.
Logistics and One-Way System
In terms of logistics, the new concourse will serve as the primary entrance for individuals accessing the airport terminal, while the existing concourse will be designated for those exiting. To ensure a seamless one-way system from the train station to the airport, refurbishments and reconfigurations have been carried out on the existing station concourse, station footbridges, and the South Terminal linkspan.
Commendations from Officials
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail Sussex route director, expressed her delight at the completion of this complex and challenging project. She emphasized how this upgraded station aligns with the growth ambitions of London Gatwick and anticipates a significant increase in passenger numbers in the coming years. Furthermore, McAuliffe highlighted that this development not only benefits airport-bound travelers but also improves journeys for passengers throughout the entire route, offering them quicker and more reliable timetables.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper commended the government's commitment to funding improvements in the rail network. He acknowledged Gatwick Airport station as a crucial transportation hub and praised its transformation into an impressive gateway to the UK. Harper believes that these enhancements will result in more British and international passengers choosing rail travel as their preferred mode of transportation.
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, emphasized the environmental benefits of train travel to Gatwick Airport. She noted that despite offering a half-hour journey from London, the station had previously struggled with capacity issues, leading to delays for all passengers. However, Saunders expressed her confidence that the stunning redevelopment would address these challenges. She believes that customers will appreciate the additional space and improved accessibility, making their journey between train and plane quicker, easier, and more appealing.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, expressed his excitement about the newly unveiled station concourse. He believes that passengers traveling by train will enjoy an enhanced experience as they pass through this larger, brighter facility. Pollard anticipates that this fully accessible concourse will encourage even more travelers to choose sustainable public transport when accessing the airport.
Summary
The opening of the upgraded Gatwick Airport station marks a significant milestone in improving passenger experiences and streamlining journeys from train to plane. With its increased capacity, enhanced accessibility, and commitment to sustainability, this state-of-the-art facility is set to become a beacon of efficiency and convenience for millions of travelers each year.
(This article is sourced from globalrailwayreview.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
