On the theme of connectivity it is odd that the posters here, and presumably those behind the pro HAL proposal, are happy for people in the regions to either connect over Heathrow or state that if one regional airport closes there is another 30, 40 or 50 miles away, ignore the fact that people in Reading, with a good surface connection to Gatwick, or from Hammersmith, with excellent connections, complain about having to travel to Sussex.
This is not me quoting odd instances but is based on working for companies based in the Home Counties for many years and living in Sussex for twelve years where there was a demand for more services from Gatwick because people didn't want the trouble and expense of travelling to Heathrow.
However, in the case of Manchester there is a demonstrable demand for connectivity by surface transport. Heathrow has good surface and underground connections, Gatwick is well served. Manchester does well but demand outstrips availability and it seems the surface transfer provider is more interested in what it wants to provide a couple of years down the track rather than what the travelling public wants today.
Last edited by philbky; 1st Apr 2015 at 08:30.
Reason: Additional thoughts and to avoid the T word.!!