On May 25, 12:38*pm, Andy wrote:

On 25 May, 12:22, Bruce wrote:

On Mon, 24 May 2010 20:59:00 +0100, Basil Jet
[snip]
A Crossrail branch to Watford Junction is, but was rejected
by the Crossrail team.

That I can understand, as a Watford to Crossrail service would not
make sense. *But a Watford to Heathrow service does make sense to
improve access to Heathrow Airport by public transport from the WCML
and its large catchment. *

Currently, most of these people drive to the airport. *Some masochists
go by rail via Euston, the Victoria Line to Green Park thence the
Piccadilly Line, or the Victoria Line to Oxford Circus then the
Bakerloo Line to Paddington, then Heathrow Express/Connect or walk to
Euston Square, Teacup Line and Heathrow Express/Connect. *Very few
people use the Green Line coach.

And some people change to the Bakerloo line (for Paddington) at Harrow
& Wealdstone, which is actually as quick and certainly less painful
for dragging luggage about than going via Euston.

Hadn't though of that. The train needs to stop at H&W of course.

I'm sure the following route idea will be dismissed out of hand by
some, but how about the Southern service to West Brompton, then a v.
short walk round the corner to Earl's Court Underground station for
the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow.

The stations really are close:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/oldmap.sr...&y=178250&ar=N


The more I think of it - and the more I look at the alternatives - the
more attractive a Watford to Heathrow service looks.

I think a Milton Keynes - Heathrow service would be a better bet for
getting punters out of their car from further north, the original
Rugby - Brighton service certainly had plenty of passengers (with
luggage) for Gatwick Airport, so there is demand for WCML - airport
traffic; its replacement Milton Keynes - Croydon still also has a fair
few passengers asking about which platform at Clapham Junction for
Gatwick.

Shame they don't change at East Croydon, where it's rather easier -
ramps for step-free access, plus only six platforms to contend with.
Perhaps announcements on-board the Southern WLL service should make
this option clear (and journey planners tweaked accordingly).