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Gatwick Express

Southern franchise operates a random service of the rail shuttle between the Victoria station, London and the Gatwick Airport, South East England and the service is provided by Gatwick Express. Initially it was a separate franchise and it was under the British Rail, but later on the services were included into this Southern franchise and it was done in the year 2008. Some trains were also included and the services were given even beyond Gatwick and it is extended to Hayward's Heath and Brighton. Even this express gives a fast service between London Bridge and Eastbourne. As the services are given very rapid that is why the word train is replaced by express.


The duration within which the distance of 27 miles between the Victoria station, London and the Gatwick Airport, is covered by this express is only 15 minutes. It also does nonstop journeys and the time taken is about 30 minutes. Gatwick Express is a part of National Rail network, but it does not accept any National Railcards for the discounts.


When the passengers are buying tickets between London and Gatwick, the passenger has to choose the operators. In case of emergency, the tickets are provided immediately, but in case of cheaper tickets restrictions are applicable. The line between London and Gatwick is a permitted way to go. The tickets which the passengers get are applicable for the Gatwick Express only. The passengers cannot avail other trains by buying these tickets. There is a restriction in between this line. Even the passengers who are travelling to South East England, having National Railcards discounts cannot go by this train.


In case of emergency, the tickets are allowed up to South because in such a situation this express stops in this station. Penalty fees are not charged by the Standard Gatwick Express. Rather it permits to purchase the tickets on boards but for this no extra charge is taken. But, if the passengers are travelling from or to the stations which is south of the Gatwick are charged with penalty fees. This rule was started in the year 2008 and this rule is for only six weekdays.


On 14th December, 2008 the units which entered the service was Class 442 "Wessex Electrics". By May 2011 the unit was displaced by the fleet of 8 units and that is Class 460 EMUs and this fleet was from that of the franchise. These units are operated in two ways. Either the units are single which has 5 cars or the units are coupled altogether so that trains of 10 car can be formed. The Brighton railway station is given the service by Gatwick Express during the peak hours. Recent changes rather many things are included in this train like new seats, racks for the large luggage, seats are more now and for making use of buffet a new class area has been made. Repaint is also included where the Gatwick Express livery is in a modified way.


On 28th January, 2010 a decision was taken by National Rail and that is the removal of the 460 fleet from Gatwick Express and this should be done by December 2010. It was done for strengthening the operations elsewhere.


Different offers are also given by the Gatwick Express. In the offer, even the tickets can be bought in advance. The tickets are available online also. The website for buying the ticket is gatwickexpress.com. This website provides the passengers with the cheapest tickets.


When the Gatwick Express is providing the passengers with all the facilities along with the low costs tickets then everyone would like to avail this train.