Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow

[Tub3hound]

Is it possible for Network Rail to provide a route between the above using existing (or slightly modified) infrastructure?

 

[JonathanH]

Is it possible for Network Rail to provide a route between the above using existing (or slightly modified) infrastructure?

Passengers travelling from Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow already have a frequent route with multiple journey opportunities each hour, with a convenient interchange at Farringdon.

 

[MontyP]

Are you suggesting that a direct service should be provided? The rails are there (via MML to Cricklewood, Dudding Hill line and the junctions at Acton to the GWML) but why on earth would this need a service when there is a regular and easy connection at Carrington?

 

[John R]

You could in theory via Acton Wells and Dudding Hill Jn. I guess the question is what would the demand be, and how would any service be fitted in amongst all the others on both mainline routes.

Others have noted the existing single change at Farringdon, which is probably fine for occasional airport passengers. Though I do wonder whether any direct service would be more attractive to those employed at Heathrow, for whom a daily dogleg via Central London would be much less attractive (and more costly) than a direct service.

 

[Tub3hound]

Passengers travelling from Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow already have a frequent route with multiple journey opportunities each hour, with a convenient interchange at Farringdon.

Not really answering the question. BTW I work for LU.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Is it possible? Yes, via the Dudding Mill-Acton Wells freight line.

Is it a sensible use of resources? Absolutely not.

 

[Tub3hound]

You could in theory via Acton Wells and Dudding Hill Jn. I guess the question is what would the demand be, and how would any service be fitted in amongst all the others on both mainline routes.

Others have noted the existing single change at Farringdon, which is probably fine for occasional airport passengers. Though I do wonder whether any direct service would be more attractive to those employed at Heathrow, for whom a daily dogleg via Central London would be much less attractive (and more costly) than a direct service.

Thank you.

 

[JonathanH]

Not really answering the question.

Technical issues with a direct train from Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow Airport include:
* The Dudding Hill route is not electrified and running regular diesel trains to Heathrow wouldn't be allowed.
* The signalling of the Dudding Hill route isn't really practical for intensive service.
* The link at Acton between the Great Western Main Line and North London Line is being electrified (for empty stock transfers of Elizabeth Line units).
* There is no platform capacity at Heathrow with Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line running a combined 10tph on the branch.

Even if there were plans for passenger services on the Dudding Hill Line, they wouldn't be envisaged to reach Luton or Heathrow.

See https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/west-london-orbital

West London Orbital
We're making plans for a new rail service on existing, underused rail lines in west London that would become part of the London Overground network. The West London Orbital rail service would run from Hounslow towards Hendon and West Hampstead in the north.

As others have noted, there are rails which go from Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow. Dudding Hill is the most direct way, with a grade separated junction off the slow lines at Hendon,

 

[Verulamius]

If you were to implement the West London Orbital, would it be possible to create an extra platform at Acton Main Line to create an extra link as part of that plan? It seems more difficult to terminate further along, perhaps towards Greenford, due to crossing the up relief?

 

[Tub3hound]

Technical issues with a direct train from Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow Airport include:
* The Dudding Hill route is not electrified and running regular diesel trains to Heathrow wouldn't be allowed.
* The signalling of the Dudding Hill route isn't really practical for intensive service.
* The link at Acton between the Great Western Main Line and North London Line is being electrified (for empty stock transfers of Elizabeth Line units).
* There is no platform capacity at Heathrow with Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line running a combined 10tph on the branch.

Even if there were plans for passenger services on the Dudding Hill Line, they wouldn't be envisaged to reach Luton or Heathrow.

See https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/west-london-orbital


As others have noted, there are rails which go from Luton Airport Parkway to Heathrow. Dudding Hill is the most direct way, with a grade separated junction off the slow lines at Hendon,

Thank you, most informative.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2024 ==

Are you suggesting that a direct service should be provided? The rails are there (via MML to Cricklewood, Dudding Hill line and the junctions at Acton to the GWML) but why on earth would this need a service when there is a regular and easy connection at Carrington?

Not suggesting. Just speculating. A thought exercise, if you like.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2024 ==

I agree that there would be little point in this at the moment. Circumstances do change though. The question popped into my head on seeing a National Express coach with Heathrow as the destination. I'm naturally attracted to the idea of using rail instead of road.

 

[telstarbox]

If that's the ex Birmingham coach then it's more to serve Birmingham demand to both airports than true demand between Luton and Heathrow.