The London & South branch of the Rail Industry Association (RIA) has welcomed the support that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to the Heathrow Southern Railway Link gave to the project last Tuesday, 5 September.

The project is designed to improve connectivity between Heathrow Airport, which is the UK’s busiest airport, and South West London, Surrey, Berkshire, and Hampshire. It is expected to reduce road congestion and contribute to a more sustainable transport system.

The Mayor of London’s backing for the scheme came after Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton last June stated that the Government supported a scheme to provide a southern access to Heathrow, with the ambition that it should be funded and delivered by the private sector.

Ryan Anderson, RIA London & South Chair, said: “RIA London & South is pleased to see cross-party support building for the development for a Southern Access to Heathrow scheme. It is great news that London Mayor Sadiq Kahn has given his backing to the Heathrow Southern Railway Link project, following support for such a link expressed by Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton in June.

“This landmark scheme will not only provide a better passenger experience for those travelling between Heathrow, South London, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire, but it will also help contribute to reducing carbon emissions by encouraging more people to connect with the airport by rail.

“RIA London & South supports initiatives that prioritise the expansion and enhancement of the railway network in the London & South region, and we and rail businesses across the UK look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to turn this vision into reality. Investing in rail infrastructure is essential for the nation’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.”