In message , at
01:49:07 on Fri, 26 May 2017, Ding Bat
remarked:
Does HEx have to continue to terminate at Paddington? Can't it go nonstop
to Paddington and then continue to Abbey Wood with the same stops as what
will replace Heathrow Connect?

Even if that were possible, how could it attract a premium fare in such a
case? And how could such a premium fare be enforced?

There would be more passengers available to pay a premium, to offset the loss of passengers to the non-express Crossrail. Think Liverpool St to
Heathrow with its being express after Paddington. Some proportion of passengers would choose to pay the premium for the time saving and if the
express is less full, they'd also be paying the premium for comfort (not having to stand) if the premium keeps passenger count low enough for
all, or all in Heathrow designated carriages, to get seats. Remember that standing would be more of a drag for those who have luggage.

I'm afraid I don't have the same access as you to transport forecasts
which would apply to the various future developments which you have in
mind. So I can't comment.
--
Roland Perry