I Love Meet and Greet Supports Passenger Choice Amid Gatwick Rail Debate
I Love Meet and Greet has voiced its support for Gatwick Airport's stance on giving passengers the freedom to choose how they travel to the airport, following recent discussions highlighted in The Telegraph article titled 'Gatwick to fight demands for more passengers to arrive by train.'
While increasing rail usage is a commendable goal, I Love Meet and Greet agrees that imposing a binding target for at least 54% of passengers to travel by rail – up from the current 44% – is unrealistic and undermines passenger flexibility.
"For many families and travelers, driving to the airport is not only more convenient but also more cost-effective than purchasing several train tickets," said Sarah Anglim, Founder and Managing Director of I Love Meet and Greet. "With the ongoing issues of unreliable train services, it’s unfair to pressure passengers into a mode of transport that may not suit their needs."
Gatwick Airport has called for a more pragmatic approach, emphasising a £300 million investment in upgrading surrounding highways to alleviate congestion on local roads, rather than relying heavily on increased rail usage. This, according to Gatwick Airport, would address the primary concerns of the Planning Inspectorate.
"We believe passengers should have the right to choose the best travel option for them," added Anglim. "Our customers value the flexibility and reliability of using their own vehicles, especially when train services have proven to be unpredictable."
I Love Meet and Greet continues to advocate for balanced transport policies that prioritize passenger convenience and reflect real-world travel needs.