The Anonymous Widower

A Misunderstanding With Heathrow Connect

I was talking to an e-friend last night in California, who shares my interests of trains and large projects. He is getting on a bit and asked me to find an easy route from Heathrow to Barking, from where he can get a mini-cab to his sister’s. He’s coming in to Heathrow and asked me, if I knew of a step-free route.

Last time he took the Piccadilly line to Kings Cross from where he took the lifts up to the Metropolitan line for Barking. He managed it with ease, but wondered if Heathrow Express or Connect would be easier.

As I wanted to go to see the new Crossrail flyover at Stockley and I thought that Heathrow Connect would be a good camera platform to get a photo, as the train turned towards Heathrow, I told my e-friend, that I’d find out.

I checked last night and a web site told me, that my Freedom Pass could be used after 09:30 this morning.

Before I boarded the train, I asked the First Great Western man on the gate and said I’d be alright after 09:30. As it was 11:00, I boarded the train.

But I had to get off at Hayes and Harlington, as the rules seem to have changed.

I was not pleased, to say the least.

There’ll be an unholy row, if when Crossrail opens in a few years time, Freedom Passes can’t be used to the airport.

Update – I spoke to my friend late last night and he’ll be using the Piccadilly line with the Oyster card, he uses when he’s in London. He was also pleased to know, that probably from the end of this year, he’ll be able to use a contactless card as a ticket.

May 28, 2014 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Freedom Pass, Heathrow Airport, Heathrow Connect, Stockley Viaduct, Ticketing