New rail system a ‘gamechanger’ for Luton

Guy Taylor speaks to the CEO of London Luton, Alberto Martin, about a new dawn for the airport

THE LAUNCHof the Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit System (DART) rail system has “simply been a gamechanger for the airport,” the boss of Luton’s popular hub has said, amid plans to expand its passenger cap to upwards of 19m.

Speaking to City A.M. Alberto Martin, London Luton’s CEO, said that the new rail transit system will also play a “pivotal role” in the airport’s future plans for sustainable growth, with connection to the airport now “as good as, if not better” than other London hubs.

The £290m DART – seven years in the making – opened on 27 March after nearly two years of added delay. It provides passengers with a rapid route to Luton airport’s terminal from the nearby rail station – in just under four minutes – and was built with the goal of reducing journey times for London customers travelling from St Pancras.

Martin said the route has been “transformational” for the Luton Airport Express service, which links the airport to the capital.

“It will also play a pivotal role in sup- porting our plans for sustainable growth by reducing the environmental impact of journeys to and from the airport,” he adds.

“It’s already clear that it is making rail travel to the airport more attractive for many passengers previously put off by the shuttle bus.”