Will trains run earlier - Gatwick expansion?

[FinsburyPark]

So I have a question that borders on possible speculation.

From what I have come to understand the opening of the other runway at Gatwick has been given the green light by the Government. There is a clause that the airport has to get a certain percentage of passengers using public transport and less people using cars.

On the railways side of things, will trains run earlier?

The reason I ask is a fair number of the flights at Gatwick (and most airports) depart really early. Its not uncommon to see departures at 5.30 am or 6 am and some flights even land at this time as well.

To meet this requirement, would it at least be a possibility that trains could start running through the night?

 

[Mattplans]

Other than the 24/7 Thameslink service the airport receives?

 

[brad465]

Other than the 24/7 Thameslink service the airport receives?

And to a lesser extent the newly-launched overnight North Downs' line services.

 

[cle]

There did used to be an overnight Victoria - Three Bridges too. Combined now with the Night Tube (on certain nights) - I'm sure that would be well used.

 

[JonathanH]

There did used to be an overnight Victoria - Three Bridges too. Combined now with the Night Tube (on certain nights) - I'm sure that would be well used.

Victoria still runs on Saturday night, instead of Thameslink, but I can't see both running again. The reasons why they concentrated on the Thameslink service of engineering access essentially remain valid.

 

[Sussex Ben]

It would be nice to see an extension of the 24/7 service extended to Brighton, calling at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and possibly Hassocks. Would make it easier for the good folk of Mid-Sussex to get home after a night out in Brighton too.

Unlikely to happen due to engineering access requirements, but even a few nights a week would be a start given recent developments on the North Downs line.

 

[FinsburyPark]

It would be nice to see an extension of the 24/7 service extended to Brighton, calling at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and possibly Hassocks. Would make it easier for the good folk of Mid-Sussex to get home after a night out in Brighton too.

Unlikely to happen due to engineering access requirements, but even a few nights a week would be a start given recent developments on the North Downs line.

Yeah last trains from Brighton on a Saturday are usually around ten minutes past midnight.

Someone visiting from London for a night out down here either has to

1) overnight stay

2) wait till 1st train out, there used to be a cafe called buddies (now closed) that was 24 hr.

3) chose not to come and have a night out elsewhere