Heathrow Express extends track access to 2028

Heathrow Express, which has just recently celebrated 26 years of service, has secured its track access agreement until June 2028. This deal ensures the continuation of their high-frequency service, carrying passengers daily between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow Express which is a jointly owned venture between Great Western Railway and Heathrow Airport is the busiest open access operator operating on the British rail network carrying 16,000 passengers per day.

The agreement will see trains continue to run from Platforms 6 and 7 at Paddington station every 15 minutes.

“We are thrilled,” said Daniel Edwards, Director at Heathrow Express. “Passengers can be confident of our continued high-quality service.”

Edwards added: “by securing our Track Access Agreement until June 2028 we continue to prove the benefit of open access rail operators in providing valuable competition which enhances the overall passenger experience. Heathrow Express remains dedicated to providing a premium service, with the airport passenger in mind, that prioritises efficiency, reliability, and great customer service.”

Both Labour and Conservatives have promised a role for open access operators in their respective manifestos with both pledging to allow open access operators access to the mainline network and where possible, open more slots for services.

Currently there are five open access operators running services. These include Arriva owned Grand Central, Lumo, FirstGroup owned Hull Trains and Eurostar.