Getting to and from Stansted Airport is about to get a whole lot quicker, cheaper, and easier, following the announcement of a new rapid bus service secured after sustained lobbying by Harlow Council.
Arriva has announced that from late February a new 723 service will provide a fast, direct link between Harlow and Stansted Airport, delivering a major boost for residents, students and the local economy.
The new service will run from the town centre via First Avenue and Gilden Way, linking the east of Harlow with the town centre before travelling direct via the M11 to Stansted Airport, significantly reducing journey times. With single fares capped at £3 and the usual concessions in place for over-60s and students, the new service will make travelling to the airport dramatically more affordable.
The service will operate:
- Hourly Monday to Saturday
- Every two hours on Sundays
- First bus from Harlow at 03:20
- Last bus from Stansted at 00:20
The route will be particularly beneficial for:
- Residents in the east of Harlow accessing the town centre.
- College students at the Harlow Airport College.
- Residents who work at Stansted Airport, Harlow’s second biggest employer.
- Residents travelling for a flight.
Securing this rapid bus link is a key part of Harlow Council’s mission to ‘secure our future’ by ensuring residents have better access to jobs, education and opportunity, while strengthening Harlow’s position as a well-connected town.
Commenting on the announcement, Cabinet Member for Planning and Garden Town, Councillor Alastair Gunn, said:
“This is a fantastic result for Harlow and something we have been lobbying Arriva on for a long time. The announcement of the 723 running directly from Harlow to Stansted via the M11 is a big coup for our town.
“Stansted Airport is Harlow’s second biggest employer, and this new rapid route will make it easier for residents to get to work, for students to reach the Airport College, for residents heading to the airport for a flight and for people across Harlow to travel more quickly and reliably.
“This is exactly what Building Harlow’s Future is about - securing the infrastructure we need to support jobs, education and opportunities.”
Further details on the announcement will be made available shortly.