A planning permission was granted for a new fully automated £200 million (EUR 228 million) mass passenger transit (MPT) linking London Luton Airport (LLA) terminal with Luton Airport Parkway station. The 24-hour, 1.4-mile line will replace the existing shuttle bus service and is expected to enter operation in 2021.
To make the most of the MPT link, LLA is also calling on the government to introduce an express-style rail service offering at least four trains per hour to central London as part of the refranchising of the East Midlands rail line later this year.
Introducing an express-style service will not only dramatically improve the experience for passengers, but also contribute an additional £100 million (EUR 114 million) in revenue to government and the rail franchisee. It is also expected to take over 70,000 cars per year off the M1 and reduce CO2 emissions by 500 tonnes per year by encouraging more people to travel to the airport by public transport.
“The new MPT rail link is a major milestone in the airport’s transformation. LLA is the fastest growing major airport in the UK, yet it is the only London airport without an express-style service. An improved rail service, in conjunction with the new MPT link, will improve the experience for passengers, deliver significant environmental benefits for local communities and accelerate economic growth across the region,” Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, said.
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