When finished, the guided section of the route will be 5.1 miles, with extensions bringing the total distance to 7.2 miles. The extensions will be via bus lanes and on-street running at each end to Houghton Regis in the west and to Luton Parkway station and the airport in the east.
Rosie Winterton said:
"The Government is committed to investing in transport and to easing congestion in our towns and cities.
"This scheme will bring considerable benefits for travellers within South Bedfordshire. It will ease problems of congestion in the area and offer improved journey times for bus passengers. The busway will connect Luton and Luton Parkway railway stations and Luton Airport. This will improve public transport links and encourage greater integration between services, as well as facilitate the significant new development and regeneration which is going into the town."
Following today's announcement, Luton Borough Council will conduct a tender exercise to select the preferred bidder for construction of the scheme, which is expected to begin next year.
On completion the guided busway will provide a real alternative to the car, with services accessible to wheelchair users and those with buggies. As the buses are travelling on a dedicated guideway, they will also be able to run to a more frequent timetable, without being interrupted by traffic flow at busy times.
