Luton transit on track

On target and set to open as planned in 2021, Luton Airport’s DART fast-transit system went on show last week as officials showed off progress to date and stressed the eco-friendly benefits of the cable-driven system.

The £225m state-of-the-art project will link the airport with its nearby parkway station in under 4min and support seamless journey times from St Pancras in just under 30min by the fastest trains.

On view last week were the scheme’s two stations, gateway bridge over the A1081 road, a viaduct and a tunnel under Taxiway Bravo, all part a plan to make reaching the airport easier and cut the number of passengers travelling to and from by car.

The DART is a double-shuttle automatic people-mover (APM) using latest system technology and design innovation, and capable of operating 24/7. The 2.1km route will run between the two purpose-built stations with trains every 4min at the peak.

Luton Council leader Hazel Simmons said: “The Luton DART will benefit not only airport passengers but also people and businesses of Luton in supporting our long-term economic and employment growth.”

Main contractors on the scheme are the joint venture VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier, delivering the civil engineering, and Doppelmayr Cable Car UK providing the transportation system.

For a video on progress so far, see https://youtu.be/JjRl9tGQhYE

www.london-luton.co.uk

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michael imeson, UK

If the horrendous delays and additional costs of the Luton Busway exercise are anything to go by, I wouldn\'t hold my breath for a 2021 start for the new airport/station link!!