The shuttle bus, which took around 20 minutes depending on traffic, will also be axed on Monday.
The cost of a single ticket will be £4.90, whereas the bus fare was £2.40 or £3.80 return.
Children under five travel free on the Dart while those under 16 get half-price tickets.
Children under five travel free on the Dart while those under 16 get half-price tickets.
The new Luton Dart shuttle will transport passengers in just over three minutes compared to the 20 minute bus journey.
The new service will bring the airport within about 30 minutes of central London.
The £290m driverless link, which uses a cable system to pull the shuttle “trains” up the hill to the airport, was built by Luton Rising, the council organisation that owns the airport.
Luton Airport Parkway station is served by Thameslink and East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains.
The £290m driverless link, which uses a cable system to pull the shuttle “trains” up the hill to the airport, was built by Luton Rising, the council organisation that owns the airport.
Luton Airport Parkway station is served by Thameslink and East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains.
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| When the Dart fully opens on 27th March the shuttle bus service will cease |
Passengers holding a concessionary bus pass, such as pensioners, people with a disability or acting as companion travellers, will be entitled to register to use the Luton DART for free, along with Luton Airport staff. Click here to register.
Luton residents are also entitled to register for half-priced travel. People seeking concessions have to register at least 72 hours before travel.
Cllr Simmons said the Dart was first envisaged in 2014 as a way of tempting travellers to travel by rail rather than car to the airport, which is the home of EasyJet.
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His Majesty King Charles III was one of the first people to travel on the Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) passenger transport system, as part of an official visit to Bedfordshire |
Graham Olver, Chief Executive Officer of Luton Rising, added: “The Luton DART provides new speed, reliability and convenience for rail passengers.
“In improving the connectivity between the national rail network and our airport system, it’s also a game-changer for our airport’s competitive position in the London and UK aviation systems – and that secures and enhances prospects for everyone who relies on our airport for their own prosperity.”
Alberto Martin, chief executive of Luton Airport, said: “Luton Rising’s investment in the Dart will fundamentally enhance the passenger experience - offering a faster, more convenient airport transfer for rail passengers and supporting our commitment to deliver enhanced connectivity to the airport.
“In improving the connectivity between the national rail network and our airport system, it’s also a game-changer for our airport’s competitive position in the London and UK aviation systems – and that secures and enhances prospects for everyone who relies on our airport for their own prosperity.”
Alberto Martin, chief executive of Luton Airport, said: “Luton Rising’s investment in the Dart will fundamentally enhance the passenger experience - offering a faster, more convenient airport transfer for rail passengers and supporting our commitment to deliver enhanced connectivity to the airport.
“It will also be instrumental in the airport’s plans for future sustainable growth, encouraging passengers away from their cars and onto public transport.”
Roger French visited the Luton Dart when it first began a limited service prior to the full opening on 27th March. His report can be seen here
