Article from BTNews 4 MARCH 2019
Stansted rail link in focus
The first of 10 new Stansted Express trains arrived in Norwich last week from Switzerland and will undergo safety and performance tests before entering passenger service in mid-2019.
The new electric trains will be longer, with more seats, plug and USB sockets, as well as air conditioning. They will have fast free wi-fi and improved passenger information screens.
The train arrived as Stansted CEO Ken O’Toole called on local businesses, community leaders and regional organisations to make their voices heard and press government for upgrades to the rail links to the airport.
Addressing more than 150 delegates at the Stansted Area Transport Forum, he said better connectivity would boost the local economy, make new journeys viable for residents, ease access for the 12,000 on-site workforce and help to attract more airlines and new destinations.
O’Toole asked attendees to use the ongoing Aviation Strategy consultation process as an opportunity to communicate direct to government the need for better rail connections into Stansted.
He added: “How easy it is for people to access Stansted will be one of the primary drivers behind our future growth – growth that will in turn ensure the UK, and particularly the East of England, remains connected to international economies and the opportunities they offer.”
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum