Well exactly Steve. So many bus and rail services already use Heathrow that any new services will increase travel options for people not catching a flight. The airport effectively acts as a public transport hub for part of West London and the western home counties.

There must be pent-up demand on lines south of the Thames that the Heathrow Southern rail link would satisfy. Bus links from Feltham or Windsor are far too slow. If the Government's aim is to increase public transport share of Heathrow commuters and passengers, then this scheme should be a no-brainer.