Surface transport

The issue: Traffic can build up around airports because of the large number of passengers, employees and suppliers accessing them. In combination with non-airport traffic, local road transport networks can become congested. This affects businesses, local communities and the environment. Reducing congestion around airports and improving access via public transport was one of the key goals in the Government’s 2003 Aviation White Paper.

Our approach: Our primary aim in relation to surface transport is to manage congestion and environmental impacts associated with the airport. This aim will be delivered through increasing the number of people using public transport or alternatives to singularly occupied vehicles. This also includes taking advantage of the excellent transport links the airport has with a dedicated train station, just 99 steps from the terminal, and regular and reliable bus services, some of which stop directly outside the airport terminal building.

We aim to protect and develop public transport choices by fully implementing the aims and objectives of our surface transport strategy in line with Government Policy. The strategy outlines a number of objectives with the target to increase the number of people using public transport to access the airport to 18.5% by 2011 (currently at around 11%). It also looks at staff travel options, where there are a number of new objectives, in addition to the existing options:

• Interest free loans - interest free loans are available to BAA Southampton staff wishing to buy bicycles or season tickets
• Cycle facilities - new cycle storage facilities have been installed to allow cyclists to store their bike safely and undercover. There are also shower and changing facilities available to staff
• Cycle discounts - staff are offered a competitive discount on purchase of bicycles and accessories at Portswood Cycles in Southampton.

Bicycle user groups: A bicycle user group has been successfully set-up so that regular users can voice their opinions and feedback on facilities. Cyclists signing-up to the scheme are given a welcome pack which includes a high visibility tabard and lights amongst other things. There have also been a number of days where cyclists could bring in their cycles for free check-up and service.

Our performance
Target 2006/07: To publish a revised surface access strategy in summer 2006
Performance against target: Target bettered

Our surface transport strategy, covering the period 2006 to 2011, was published during 2006, as per our target set in last year’s Corporate Responsibility Report. A number of the objectives in the strategy have already been delivered, meaning that the 2006/07 target was bettered. Two specific working groups have been set-up in addition to existing groups, such as the Airport Transport Forum, to drive forward the objectives of the surface transport strategy. This new approach ensures that the objectives are carried forward and involves operators and local councils together with BAA, who specifically work on implementing improvements and share ideas to move things forward.

Both the rail and bus and coach working groups have been very successful with clear terms of reference being agreed as well as the production of a new ’Travel Options‘ leaflet for passengers. Talks have also progressed on installing train information in the main terminal so that arriving passengers have better access to public transport information. 

In addition to the existing staff travel incentives offered at the airport, the existing Car Share Scheme has been boosted via a car share promotion day where staff were actively recruited to sign up to the scheme. Members of the scheme are entitled to a number of discounts and offers with local companies when they join the scheme. In February 2007 there were 137 members of the scheme (over 10% of the airport workforce). 

Going forward: We will continue to focus on implementing the surface transport strategy to achieve 18.5% of passengers using public transport to access the airport by 2011.