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MVA Consultancy leads study on £80million Luton Dunstable Busway scheme

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MVA Consultancy has carried out the major modelling and economic appraisal for an £80million busway scheme between Luton and Dunstable which has now secured conditional funding.

The major updating exercise by Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire County Council, has been granted the funds following submission of a major scheme business case which substantially draws on appraisal input and project advice from the leading transport planning consultancy.

The project involves the construction of a guided busway utilising a disused railway alignment between Luton and Dunstable extending to Houghton Regis in the north west, and the Napier Park redevelopment area in the east of the Luton Dunstable Houghton Regis conurbation.

The busway will provide the spine of a high quality network of express bus services using the new infrastructure which parallels the heavily-congested main highway route between Dunstable and Luton.

Designed to enhance public transport journey times, reliability and access between residential areas and main centres of employment, retail and leisure in the conurbation, the busway would form a key element of the local transport plan.

MVA comprehensively reviewed and updated the existing modelling in order to reflect substantial changes in the local planning context, scheme design and service proposals since the scheme secured provisional funding approval in 2004.

The work culminated in the production and reporting of up-to-date passenger demand, revenue and economic benefit forecasts, scheme appraisal costings and cashflows, Transport Economic Efficiency (TEE) analyses and Affordability and Financial Sustainability analyses.

Steve Williamson, Director at MVA Consultancy, said: “A key aspect of our role was closely liaising with the DfT during the updating process and securing acceptance of our methodology for forecasting and appraisal, and the resulting MSBC.

“We also worked jointly with other project consultants, advising on scheme design and environmental assessment in preparing the final major scheme submission to the DfT.

“Having been involved with and advised on the project for a decade or so, we are delighted that the Busway has secured this key funding approval. 

“As a central element of the long term planning of the Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis conurbation, the Busway can deliver a real step-change in public transport provision, and in doing so improve accessibility and support growth and development in the area in a sustainable fashion. 

“We’re looking forward to continuing to support Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire County Council through the procurement, implementation and operational phases to come.”

Information for Editors:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas, to central, regional and local government, agencies, developers, operators and financiers.

For further information please contact:

Emma O'Sullivan on 01483 742925
or email eosullivan@mvaconsultancy.com

or

Sarah White on 01483 742975
or email swhite@mvaconsultancy.com

30 September 2008