Historically, our group was opposed to the proposed busway between Luton and Dunstable, instead favouring the reinstatement of the railway line between Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable.
However, in 2010 there was a severe need for immediate transport improvements in Dunstable. We were particularly concerned about young people in Luton being able to access skills training at Central Bedfordshire College. But this wascdifficult because there were no direct bus routes.
Our position
After discussions and debate with Central Bedfordshire Council we made the difficult decision to support the busway. There was very little likelihood of a railway line being built in the near future as the local authorities didn’t support it. We were worried that if the busway wasn’t built, the investment would be directed into more roads, rather than sustainable transport links such as buses and cycle routes.
Since the busway opened in 2013, some services have been extended to Leighton Buzzard and the number of students for Central Bedfordshire College from Luton has increased due to improved access.
Negotiating sustainable transport options
The final results of negotiations with Central Bedfordshire Council in March 2010 were:
- Cycle track: The guided busway would include a cycle track along its whole length to create a safe and easy route between Dunstable and Luton.
- Cycle funding: Central Bedfordshire would aim to introduce funding for cycling schemes. Further funds were set aside for cycling improvements to be carried out in the following year.
- Strategic cycle network: Central Bedfordshire Council would work with Luton and Dunstable Cycle Forum and Dunstable Friends of the Earth to identify schemes within the context of the strategic cycle network.
- Hospital transport: A commitment to work with the Luton and Dunstable hospital to explore better ways of joint working, including helping the hospital to develop their own travel plan.
- Public transport information and provision: Central Bedfordshire Council would spend up to £200,000 to improve public transport information provision for Dunstable and Houghton Regis area. The council would explore the possibility of introducing real-time passenger information into the area.
- Streamlined services: Health, social services and education transport budgets would be combined for more efficient transport options and to support increased public transport.
- New developments: Central Bedfordshire Council would ensure new developments would provide sustainable transport alternatives whilst working with neighbouring authorities to develop a transport strategy, including Milton Keynes, Bedford, Luton, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire. The aim will be to promote sustainable transport alternatives. This joint working will form a key part of the Local Transport Plan.
- Promoting sustainable transport: Central Bedfordshire appointed a dedicated travel plan officer who will help businesses and new developments to promote cycling, buses and walking.
- Promoting shops: The stations on the Luton and Dunstable Busway will promote local businesses and shops in Dunstable. Central Bedfordshire will work with Dunstable Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce to actively promote the shops and the market in Dunstable
Featured image: Luton Busway Opening Day by Julian Walker is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0