Stansted Airport boss confirms ‘new year’ start for work to introduce contactless payments on Stansted Express trains
Work is set to begin in the new year to introduce touch-in and touch-out train travel to and from Stansted Airport.
Managing director Gareth Powell set a timetable for introducing contactless payments on the Stansted Express at the Uttlesford hub’s annual transport forum.
The conference brought together more than 100 industry professionals and community representatives from across the region who share the airport’s vision for sustainable transport.
Mr Powell opened the forum: “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 we have continued the upward trend to see more of our passengers arriving [at] 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 grow, 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 our partnership will continue 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, continue 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 (Transport for London) network by offering Stansted Express users the option to pay by contactless.
“Work should be under way 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.”
Mr Powell previously worked for TfL for 19 years, ending his career with the capital’s public transport service as its deputy commissioner and chief customer and strategy officer.
Mr Powell shared centre stage at the forum with National Express commercial director John Boughton, Greater Anglia managing director Martin Beable and Stansted Airport Transport Forum chair John Pope, who discussed the importance of collaboration between the airport, transport operators and local communities.
Mr Pope 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 we continue to remain the UK’s best major airport for sustainable transport options for passengers.”
Chris Turton, Stansted’s transformation director, also updated delegates about transformation plans, which will see £1.1 billion invested in upgrading almost every aspect of the airport’s operation over the next five years.