MORE than 13.5 million passengers used public transport to travel to and from London Stansted Airport in the past year.
The figure marks the highest public transport mode share of any major UK airport and comes as the Stansted Airport Transport Forum celebrates its 25th anniversary.
John Pope, chairman of the Stansted Airport Transport Forum, said: "The past year has seen real progress across our transport network, with growing numbers of passengers and employees choosing sustainable ways to travel to and from the airport.
"Reaching almost 14 million passengers travelling by public transport in a year is a significant milestone, particularly as we celebrate 25 years of the Stansted Airport Transport Forum.
"It reflects the strong partnerships that have helped improve rail, bus and coach connections to the airport over the past quarter of a century."
When the forum began, Stansted handled about nine million passengers a year, with only a third travelling by public transport.
Today, nearly half of passengers choose sustainable travel, while rail accounts for more than 35 per cent of airport journeys.
Recent improvements include a 24-hour Stansted Express trial, Cambridge South station and contactless ticketing.
The airport’s bus and coach network has also expanded.
Flibco now links Stansted with Enfield, Wood Green and Finsbury Park, while Arriva has upgraded its 723 service to Harlow.
More than a third of airport staff now use public transport, backed by investment in buses, cycling infrastructure and other sustainable travel schemes.
Stansted’s bus and coach station is also set for redevelopment.
The proposals promise more space, better waiting areas, clearer passenger information and improved ticketing.
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The forum was also updated on East West Rail, which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
Mr Pope said: "From the successful trial of 24-hour Stansted Express services and improvements to local bus routes, to plans for a major redevelopment of the airport's bus and coach station, we're continuing to improve the range of travel options available to passengers and staff while supporting the airport's sustainable growth.
"The forum plays an important role in bringing together transport operators, local authorities, businesses and community organisations, and we look forward to building on this progress and delivering further improvements in the years ahead."
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