Concern grows over Gatwick gates

摘要

Air operators and users at Gatwick are becoming increasingly concerned over proposals to install ticket gates at Gatwick Airport station, and on the Gatwick Express platforms at London Victoria, as envisaged in the Southern franchise. The proposal was included in The Go-Ahead Group's franchise bid as part of a wider gating programme on the Brighton Main Line and this was accepted by DfT. Installation is planned for December. However, when subsequently consulted, the airport operator and its user group GATC0M reportedly expressed concern over the pro- posal, as it would radically change the character of Gatwick Express in terms of customer service. Given the limited space available at the airport station to accommodate substantial numbers of passengers, installing gates could create significant congestion, while making rail less attractive to airport users and removing the pay-on-board option from Gatwick Express.