Gatwick Express, which is still under government scrutiny and could yet be substantially remodelled, has announced a major upgrade programme for the railway's first class train carriages. Talking to trade partners at a reception, managing director Peter Cotton (pictured centre) said: "Gatwick Express has been the subject of much speculation in the media over the past few months and we are now in a position to announce we are investing in the enhancement of our first class carriages."
He continued: "The support we have received has enabled us, despite the uncertainty over our future, to create and maintain what is the best performing rail company in the UK. In terms of customer service we have been independently awarded the top position - above all other rail companies - for the last three years by The National Passenger Survey.
Our developments in customer service have also been recognised with The Railway Industry Innovation Awards. Gatwick Express is not only leading the rail industry but also has set a standard of customer service which matches the best of any company in the UK." The first class carriages will be introduced as early as spring 2007 and details will be released in coming weeks.
Image: from left to right, BAR UK chief executive Mike Carrivick, Gatwick Express managing director Peter Cotton, and Travel Weekly key accounts manager Nikki Jabal