25 years of shaping transport links and connectivity

London Stansted will next week mark 25 years of working with transport operators, local authorities and community partners to help make it one of the UK's best connected airports for public transport.

The milestone will be celebrated at the annual Stansted Area Transport Forum, which has helped shape the airport's transport network and drive increased use of public transport by passengers and colleagues since it was established.

Over the past 25 years, passenger numbers at Stansted have grown from nine million a year to more than 30 million, while public transport use has risen from around a third of passengers to almost half.

Today, more than 14 million passengers travel to and from the airport by train, bus or coach each year.

The growth has been supported by major improvements to rail, coach and bus services, helping Stansted become the major UK airport with the highest public transport mode share.

The forum brings together transport operators, local authorities, businesses and community groups to discuss how people travel to and from the airport and identify opportunities to improve connections across the region.

This year's event will look back at some of the biggest transport developments of the past 25 years, including the expansion of the Stansted Express, growth of the airport's coach network, investment in cycling and walking routes, and schemes helping airport employees travel more sustainably.

It will also explore how public transport can support the airport's future growth while reducing congestion and emissions.

Steve Mills, Surface Access Strategy Manager at London Stansted, said:

“The way people travel to and from London Stansted has changed enormously over the past 25 years. We've seen passenger numbers more than triple, while public transport has become the first choice for millions of people travelling through the airport every year. That progress has only been possible because transport operators, local authorities and local communities have worked together to improve connections and give people more travel options. As we look ahead, continuing to invest in sustainable transport will be essential if we are to support future growth and remain one of the best-connected airports in the UK.”

Recent priorities for the forum have included trials of 24-hour Stansted Express services, new coach and bus links, improved rail connectivity and plans for future investment in the airport's transport infrastructure.