The Luton DART is a new revolutionary airport shuttle that will transport passengers from Luton Airport Parkway station to London Luton Airport in under four minutes.
Volunteers are being recruited to take part in a series of trials to ensure it provides an excellent passenger experience.
These include a fire evacuation, station evacuation and different customer service scenarios.
The Luton DART will replace the current route, which incorporates an eight-minute shuttle bus that departs every 10 minutes.
King Charles was on December 6 one of the first people to ride on the cable-drawn shuttle while visiting the Bedfordshire town.
If you’re a keen train or transport fan, here’s how you can get involved in the Luton DART trials.
How can I take part?
The Luton DART’s full service is set to begin before Easter 2023.
Luton DART volunteer applications are open now.
To play the part of a real ‘airport passenger’, the shuttle recommends that volunteers wear comfortable, warm clothes and bring some empty luggage.
Volunteers will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.
These are all the dates:
- Wednesday, March 8, 9am-1pm
- Monday, March 13, 2pm-5pm
- Wednesday, March 15, 9am-1pm
- Saturday, March 18, 9am-1pm
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted due to the nature of the trials.
Adults must accompany children aged between 12 and 16.
You won’t be paid for the trial, unfortunately, but participants will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 worth of vouchers.
When will the Luton DART open?
The £290 million Luton DART was due to open in 2020 but will now take its first customers on March 10.
Luton Rising, which owns the airport, said it would initially operate on a restricted timetable.
Services will run for about four hours a day, with passengers asked to give their feedback.
Luton Rising hopes it will be fully operational by the end of March.
It will then run 24 hours a day and will eventually replace shuttle buses at Luton Parkway, which pick up passengers every 10 minutes.
How much will it cost?
The price of the journey is included in any rail ticket “where customers choose Luton Airport as the start or end” of their journey.
Luton residents will be able to apply for half-price travel.
