daz211
just a note about the Stansted Express mate. I agree with you that the new trains are a big improvement, but as a regular traveller on the line, from both Liv St and Tot Hale - I assure you that there is no guarantee of a seat at peak times.
The service stops at Harlow Town or Bishop's Stortford as you know - and on most services after 1630 they are packed with commuters.
You ARE guaranteed a seat from Stortford to the terminal - so that's nice!