25/09/2023 - Ten years of the busway

For 4.8 miles of its route it has a guided track where buses with two small guide wheels keep it within concrete beams.

Three bus companies currently operate along the route providing an invaluable service. Since its completion over two million passengers have used the busway annually. The Covid pandemic had a significant impact on reducing numbers, but projections for this year look set to indicate that usage will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Councillor Javed Hussain, portfolio holder for Sustainable Development and Highways, said: “The busway has been a huge success in its decade of operation. Many people were sceptical of the impact, but it has proven to be a highly significant factor in the region’s economy.

“Residents of Houghton Regis, Dunstable and Luton are able to quickly and efficiently commute to important business sites adjacent to the busway’s route. In addition staff and visitors to London Luton Airport can travel directly to the terminal at all times of day and night.

“Another obvious benefit to the area is the decrease in traffic. Infrastructure such as the busway are key factor in enabling us to reach our goal of making Luton carbon neutral by 2040. The busway has been great for Luton for the past ten years and will continue to be vital in the future.”

Set alongside the busway is a cycleway. Recent studies show that approximately 500 cyclists a day use this both as part of their commute or for recreational purposes. Walkers too use the pathway along its entirety and as the busway nears Dunstable it passes through Blows Downs, which has been designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cllr Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The busway is a ten-year success story providing people with a reliable and convenient service in the Dunstable area.

"By using the bus, passengers create far less pollution and congestion in their towns than if they travelled by car, while enjoying the wider health and social benefits of public transport.”

Buses run frequently along the busway and even throughout the night they operate regularly taking passengers to and from London Luton Airport. A typical journey from Dunstable to Luton can take approximately 15 minutes saving time, especially at busy times of the day, making the bus an attractive alternative to the car.