Carousel Buses revamp Heathrow Airport service with Flightline launch

Carousel Buses has launched its first ‘Flightline’ branded double-deck bus to provide enhanced Heathrow Airport services, improving vital links for workers and leisure travellers on the A40 corridor.

It has partnered with Heathrow Airport to re-brand and strengthen the 102 service to provide buses every 30 minutes between High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Uxbridge and the airport, Monday to Sunday daytime, with many extra late evening and early morning journeys also being provided.

A total of seven double-deckers will be branded in the distinctive green Flightline 102 livery and feature free WiFi, USB charging ports, next stop audio announcements, improved seating, and on-board luggage racks for suitcases.

The enhanced Flightline 102 timetable commences on 2nd June and passengers will continue to benefit from the government's national fare cap, meaning any single journey on the service is still just £2.

The £2 fare cap scheme has helped Carousel Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, to grow patronage on the 102 service by more than 50%, allowing investment in the improvements. This has been further supported by Heathrow Airport, which has contributed financially towards the improvements as part of its continued commitment to encourage more people to travel to the airport via sustainable modes.

Matthew Wooll, Route Development Lead at Heathrow Airport, said: “Our partnership with Carousel Buses is delivering some great improvements to Heathrow’s bus and coach network. We want to see many more passengers and colleagues choosing to use public transport to the airport, which takes cars off the road and reduces emissions and congestion, in line with our sustainability goals.”

Luke Marion, Carousel Buses Managing Director, said: “This is excellent news for airport workers, air-travellers and bus passengers living in the Chilterns. The Flightline service has increased frequency from hourly to half-hourly and we have invested in a fresh improved fleet.

“This is the best way to access the airport on the A40 corridor and the improved service would not have been possible without the continued support of Heathrow Airport. The growth of our partnership continues to demonstrate what can be achieved by bus operators and key partners working together. We’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers on-board from 2nd June.”

The service is operated with ultra-low emission Euro VI standard buses. Customers can use contactless payments on the vehicles, plus great value multi-journey and period pass season tickets via the Carousel Buses app or Key Card scheme. Discounted season tickets are available for Heathrow airport employees, via the Carousel Buses app.

Carousel Buses, a subsidiary of the Go-Ahead Group, operates 50 buses in High Wycombe and the wider Buckinghamshire area. It also serves locations including Slough in Berkshire, Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and Uxbridge.