London’s Luton Airport (LLA) has unveiled plans to open a new 24-hour light rail link between its Parkway station and the airport terminal by 2020.
In order to replace the current bus service, the airport plans to build a mass passenger transit (MPT) system similar to those used at Birmingham and Gatwick airports.
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It is expected that the service will make it easier and quicker for passengers to reach the airport terminal, improving the journey for more than two million passengers currently travelling by train.
The project is part of a broader rail connectivity improvement plan, which aims to introduce a 20-minute express rail service, with four fast trains per hour, between LLA and central London as part of the upcoming East Midlands rail franchise. Currently, LLA is working with Transport for London to add the airport to the Oyster network, further helping boost connections for passengers travelling by rail.
LLA CEO Nick Barton said: "Improving rail links is a crucial part of LLA’s development, and integral to ensure that we provide the best service possible for all our passengers.
"The creation of a light rail link between Parkway station and the terminal is a significant milestone in the airport’s transformation and the first step towards creating a world-class air-rail service.
"We will continue to work hard to increase the number of fast train services and add the airport to the Oyster card network."
LLA is currently investing more than £110m to transform the airport and increase capacity from 12 milllion, to 18 million passengers per year by 2020.
The redevelopment will include a complete redesign of the terminal, introducing new and exciting retail and dining options, as well as major upgrades to transport links such as better road access to the M1, new car parking facilities, a remodelled bus and coach interchange and improved rail links.
Image: The new light rail link will connect Luton Airport Parkway Station and the airport terminal in 2020. Photo: courtesy of London Luton Airport limited
