Heathrow pods up and running

Parking at Heathrow Terminal 5 has been revolutionised with the introduction of a “pod” transport between the short-term business car park and the main building.  On trial since April the automatic system is now fully operational and transports passengers in just five minutes.  The travel is free, part of the £26 per day parking charge.

Each unit (pod) can take four passengers and their luggage.  There is space for a wheelchair and guide dogs are permitted.  Also room for a bike.  At the present time up to 1,000 persons a day are using the system (including those taking a return ride from the terminal as a tester) but this is expected to settle down with 250,000 annual passengers a realistic target.

One result of the new system is the withdrawal of the business car park bus service, 50,000 journeys per year, a major environmental saving.  Boarding for the car park is where the bus stop previously was at level two and it really is a question of pressing button A or button B depending on where you want to get off. www.baa.com

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