Government calls on private firms for new Heathrow rail link funding ideas

The government is calling on private companies to suggest ideas on how to deliver a new southern rail link to Heathrow Airport.

The project, which will provide better links from the airport to areas of Surrey and south-west London, is one of the first under government plans to invite third parties to invest in the rail network, on top of its own £47bn five-year investment.

“We are investing in the most significant modernisation of the UK rail network since Victorian times, and I want the knowledge and expertise of investors and local partners to contribute to delivering new connections, more services and better journeys for passengers” said Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary.

He said similar funding models had already been successful on a number of road schemes in the UK, and could help relieve the burden on the tax payer. “Heathrow is a perfect example of where this can make a real difference,” he added. “Such schemes will help ensure the benefits of our major international hub are even more accessible to those across the west and south of the UK, providing vital links for travellers and exporters and attracting inward investment.”

The government also set out plans for a new process of scrutiny for taxpayer-funded rail projects in future. New schemes will be decided on in a staged manner – develop, design, deliver – to better assess feasibility and value for money.

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