The Luton DART is celebrating its second birthday today (Thursday 27 March) having passed six million passenger journeys since opening in March 2023.
The fast passenger transit service has transformed quick and efficient train-to-plane connections between Luton Airport Parkway station and London Luton Airport in less than four minutes.
More than 80 per cent of DART users have been London travellers – utilising both the fastest direct train journeys to and from London St Pancras International provided by the Luton Airport Express, and the direct rail services that connect with more than 60 stations provided by Thameslink.
Rail and Luton DART modal share has exceeded its target: increasing from 14.1 per cent between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023, which was the last year of the bus transfer service, to 19% between 1 April 2024 and 28 February 2025. Shuttle reliability has exceeded 99%.
Paul Kehoe CBE, Independent Chair of Luton Rising, the Council company that owns London Luton Airport, the Luton DART and other associated assets for community benefit, said: "The Luton DART has been a fantastic addition to the service for rail passengers getting to and from our airport.
“Not only is it fast, reliable and seamless, but it tackles congestion and emissions by enticing people away from their cars, and is future-proofed to be able to serve a bigger airport.”
Deputy Chair Cllr Javeria Hussain added: “The Luton DART is making a huge contribution to the success of our airport, supporting local jobs and making a positive impact on the vital income we are able to provide for frontline and community services.
“With more and more local residents registering for our concession scheme as well, we look forward to seeing the success of the Luton DART continue to grow.”
Luton DART shuttles have already travelled 144,000km between Luton Airport Parkway and the airport, equivalent to travelling around the world more than three times. It has also delivered:
- More than 290,000 free journeys for London Luton Airport workers
- Over 16,000 concession registrations, resulting in 70,000 discounted journeys by Luton residents, disability badge and older person bus pass holders.
- More than 200 local jobs, including two full-time apprenticeships in transport engineering
- More than 20,000 hours of staff training to support high service standards
- 30 work experience placements for young people
- The restoration of 3,000 square metres of land to support biodiversity, and recycling of 84 tonnes of waste
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive of London Luton Airport, said: “Enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable travel options are central to London Luton Airport’s plans for responsible growth.
“Alongside the Luton Airport Express service, the Luton DART has been a transformational development for LLA, bringing the airport even closer to central London, with a faster, more frequent service for millions of passengers who are now choosing rail as a sustainable travel option when travelling to and from the airport.”
Under Luton Rising’s proposals for the long-term sustainable growth of London Luton Airport, the Luton DART would be extended, and capacity increased, to serve a second terminal.
A decision is due from the Transport Secretary by 3 April about the expansion, which would create around 11,000 new jobs, contribute additional economic growth of up to £1.5 billion, and boost the unique funding Luton Rising provides for frontline and community services by up to £13 million per year.