TfL eyes Heathrow Express takeover as 2028 deadline looms

"TfL argues that more needs to be done to improve public transport options in the area if the roads are to avoid being gridlocked by the extra passengers and freight coming through the airport. The airport already has plans and requirements to reduce road traffic and increase public transport use to and from the airport, but TfL argues it will not be able to meet its targets without upgrades to public transport."

"TfL's submission to the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) review cites a number of areas where increased passenger numbers would require increased capacity on public transport to cope with demand. Some will be easier to deliver, such as increased provision of cycling and bus services around the airport for workers, but also upgrades to the Piccadilly line, and possibly taking over the Heathrow Express."

"One proposed upgrade was the signalling upgrade for the Piccadilly line, which is currently on hold. The Piccadilly line is the original connection between the airport and central London, opening in 1977, and still uses the same trains that were in service when Heathrow tube station first opened. The new fleet of trains, due later this year or early next year, will finally replace them and also increase capacity on the Piccadilly line."

"And subject to fixing a possible signalling capacity pinch point around King's Cross, they will eventually increase the number of trains through central London from 24 to 27 an hour. However, the Piccadilly Line Upgrade Project included a full line signalling upgrade, which would have increased capacity to 33 trains per hour during peak hours. The signalling upgrade was essentially put on hold during the pandemic."

TfL argues that expanded Heathrow will bring more passengers and freight, increasing pressure on local roads and public transport. The airport has plans to reduce road traffic and raise public transport use, but TfL says targets cannot be met without further upgrades. TfL cites the need for additional capacity across public transport to handle higher demand, including cycling and bus provision for workers, upgrades to the Piccadilly line, and possibly taking over Heathrow Express. A proposed Piccadilly line signalling upgrade is currently on hold. New Piccadilly line trains will replace older rolling stock and increase capacity, potentially raising service frequency through central London from 24 to 27 trains per hour, subject to resolving a signalling pinch point near King’s Cross.

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