Over the years, a number of transport proposals have been made to improve public access to Heathrow Airport, near London in the United Kingdom. Currently, all rail connections with Heathrow airport run along an east–west alignment to and from central London. Most rail passengers heading for Heathrow must pass through London Zone 1 stations in order to reach Heathrow. The British government's Department for Transport has considered various proposed schemes for new links to improve access to the airport.