Reading East MP Rob Wilson is pressing for a direct rail link to Heathrow Airport.
The campaign revolves around setting up the link from Reading train station, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment.
MP Rob Wilson has met with transport secretary Philip Hammons, BAA and senior figures in the rail industry to discuss the plans.
Network Rail and First Great Western are working in collaboration with Mr Wilson and others to push the campaign forward. They are also hoping to gain support from the Department of Transport.
Speaking to the Reading Evening Post the MP said, “We have a plan of action which we are now endeavouring to progress and we are meeting again in September.”
The new scheme would involve four or five miles of new railway from Langley, just outside of Slough, all the way to Terminal Five.
The new service would pull into the two empty rail platforms at Heathrow airport.
Currently, passengers from Reading use the Rail Air coach service or travel to London Paddington to take the Heathrow Express Service.
Mr Wilson expressed his reasons behind the need for a direct rail link, “I believe it’s a vital project for Reading so that we continue to be, long into the future, a pivotal place for international investment, but also become an economic gateway to prosperity in the West of England and Wales.”
The new scheme could take up to five years to complete. There are no solid plans as yet, however influential representatives of the rail industry are positive about the scheme.
Russell Evans, First Great Western head of network strategy, said, “We are very supportive of western access to Heathrow.
The Langley scheme would involve a short piece of railway but would mean significant journey time savings for passengers from Reading and the West.”
