LONDON Stansted played host to its annual Transport Forum on Wednesday, November 14, bringing together more than 100 transport professionals and community representatives from across the region.
The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, provided a platform for the airport and its transport providers to share insights on their work to encourage the use of public transport options for passengers and employees to and from the airport.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, opened the event with a speech praising public transport providers for the efforts they have made to improve their services and increase accessibility. He said:
“We are very proud to host the annual Transport Forum and bring together professionals and community representatives who share our vision for sustainable transport. This event is a great opportunity to celebrate achievements and discuss ways to further promote the use of sustainable transport options.”
“London Stansted and its partners are committed to continue increasing the numbers of people accessing the airport sustainably. Data from the first part of the year suggests that we have continued the upward trend to see more of our passengers arriving or leaving the airport on public transport.
“We now have almost 49% of passengers using buses, coaches, and trains to travel to and from the airport, the highest modal share since before the pandemic.
“As our passenger headcount and route network grows so too will demand on our transport connectivity. The airport needs to not only meet the changing needs of our customers but also look to do so in a way that helps meet our decarbonisation commitments.
“In the spring, National Express introduced the UK’s newest, biggest, and most spacious electric coach to date to serve routes between the airport and the capital. I am pleased that our partnership will continue going forward and look forward to how they further improve the environmental impact of travellers to Stansted.
“Our train connections, and the convenience of both the train and coach station in proximity to our terminal continues to grow our appeal to those who prefer ease of travel and public transport as their way to and from the airport. Liverpool Street is embarking on its own redevelopment which should revolutionise the experience passengers travelling from the city have at the start of their journey. Facing into Cambridgeshire, we eagerly look forward to the new station at Cambridge South opening and connecting what is a growing hive of biosciences activity to us here at Stansted.
“And finally, by the time I speak to you this time next year we will be connected more closely to the TfL network by offering Stansted Express users the option to pay by contactless. Work should be underway to introduce barriers and the technology needed to make this happen in the new year and will further simplify journeys to and from the airport using sustainable public transport options.”
Joining Mr Powell on stage were John Boughton, National Express Commercial Director, Martin Beable, MD of Greater Anglia, and Chair of the Forum (SATF), John Pope, who discussed the importance of collaboration between the airport, transport operators and local communities. He said:
“The Stansted Airport Transport Forum showcases the airport and its partners commitments to sustainable travel and their dedication to improving the connectivity and convenience of public transport options for passengers and the local community. It also provides a platform for setting targets for the future and ensuring that we continue to remain the UK’s best major airport for sustainable transport options for passengers.”
Chris Turton, London Stansted’s Transformation Director, also updated delegates about the airport’s exciting transformation plans, which will see £1.1 billion invested in upgrading almost every aspect of the airport’s operation over the next five years.
