Stansted has taken another step towards developing the airport to serve 25m passengers a year.

It has completed a study into how the existing coach network at Stansted could be enhanced to serve airport and public demand.

The study, undertaken by Halcrow, showed there was potential for new links with Manchester, Stoke, Derby, Loughborough, Southend, Nottingham, Peterborough, Birmingham and Coventry.

The present Virgin rail/air coach link from Milton Keynes to Luton airport could also be extended to Stansted.

Coach operators National Express, Arriva, First Group and Excel were involved in the study, along with Essex and Hertfordshire county councils, and Uttlesford, Harlow and Braintree Councils.

John Lamb, head of transportation for BAA Stansted, said: "This is another example of the benefit the local community is receiving because Uttlesford Council determined our planning application locally. Up to £1m is now available to encourage new coach and bus routes."

Published Wednesday January 14, 2004

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