I recently attended the network rail consultation for the western rail link to Heathrow, 5 questions in hand.
Q1 who is funding, Ans DfT, maybe a PFI in part. Q. Are Heathrow contributing? They have promised.
Q2 the under cut to the start of the tunnel and embankment works will that block the main line between Slough and Paddington. Ans Yes their will rail possessions, bus replacement and lengthy delays.
Q3 are the plans embedded with R3 plans, Ans Yes we have met with R3 planners.
Q4 is there capacity for four trains per hour between Heathrow westwards to Reading. Ans there will have to be timetable changes. So there is capacity why not use it now on that line? No answer.
Q5 operators? No franchise arranged, not a premium service but we hope to join the Heathrow line to continue to terminal 2.
So a new line to Heathrow for their benefit etc, unlikely to be paid by Heathrow but taxpayers, reduced rail service to London from Slough to make room plus timetable changes - now we know that will be fun.