After months of uncertainty, the Department of Transport has announced that the Gatwick Express service will continue.

Airlines at Gatwick airport had lobbied for the Gatwick Express to be saved from closure after doubts were cast about the future of the service as train operators looked at ways to increase the number of commuter trains on the London to Brighton line.

The train operator Southern will take over the service from National Express in May 2008 and the new Gatwick Express service will be implemented in December in 2008. As part of the new Gatwick Express service trains from London to Gatwick will continue on to Brighton at peak times. Six Gatwick Express trains in the 90-minute height of the morning peak will start at Brighton, calling at Haywards Heath, Gatwick and London Victoria – some will also call at intermediate stations.

These and other changes to be implemented will see the number of express trains from London to Brighton double at the busiest times.