The GTMC has called the government’s decision to scrap plans for a link to Heathrow as part of the HS2 network “disappointing” and “frustrating”.
Transport minister Patrick McLoughlin said this week that the government “do not intend” to build the spur as part of Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the scheme.
He cited the Airports Commission review findings - published in November - which "indicated that an HS2 spur is highly unlikely to be necessary to support any expansion of Heathrow airport".
GTMC CEO Paul Wait said the spur could have provided a boost to UK businesses as well as increasing productivity.
“It is incredibly disappointing and frustrating that this proposal has been dismissed as increasing access and ease of use encourages greater utilisation – Eurostar and HS1 is a classic example of that,” said Wait.
“In addition, simply reducing the number of interchanges required to access key infrastructure would mean a great improvement on the ability for business travellers to work while on the move by removing the inconvenience and delays of multiple changes of train.”
The potential route would have linked HS2 and Heathrow via a spur from Old Oak Common and linking the new service with the existing HS1.
Previously the government had said any decision about the Heathrow spur would be delayed until the Davies Commission's report on future UK airport capacity had been completed.
Wait added: “It is vital that business travellers can ensure their journeys are as swift and easy as possible to maximise on time for business to take place and that they are given the full opportunity to work while they are on the move.
“Not supporting this is detrimental as business travellers play an intrinsic part in driving a sustainable economic recovery.”