Heathrow Express Disrupted by Industrial Action

Published 29th February 2012

Heathrow

Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect services were severely disrupted by industrial action of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union on Sunday, February 26th and Monday, February 27th.

Heathrow Connect Suspended

Heathrow Connect, the local service which allows through journeys from Ealing, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes to Heathrow, was forced to be suspended on Sunday, and until 14:30 on Monday. The Heathrow Connect purpose built Class 360 units remained at Old Oak Common depot throughout the period. The first service on Monday was the 14:33 London Paddington to Heathrow Airport (Terminals 1, 2 and 3). The first service from Heathrow (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) departed at 15:27 for all Heathrow Connect stations. On Sunday, services operated hourly from Paddington between 06:12 and 10:12, after which the industrial action commenced.

Heathrow Express Reduced

Heathrow Express operated a 30 minute service frequency between London and Heathrow Terminal 5, calling only at Heathrow (Terminal 1, 2 and 3). The services ran throughout their advertised hours on both days. All of the trains ran to an 8 or 9 car length in order to provide the necessary capacity. Terminal 4 at Heathrow was served by a replacement bus. After 14:40 on Monday, the full quarter hourly service ensued.

First Great Western Step Up

On Monday, First Great Western provided the infill of service to West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall. Until around 14:30, a half hourly service was operated using the somewhat rare bay platform at Hayes & Harlington. The services could not run through to Heathrow as First Great Western drivers are not passed for this line.

External Links

• Heathrow Express