The 2.2 km long guided mass rapid transit passenger system will run between two purpose-built stations, heading out from Stirling Place, close to Luton Airport Parkway station, to the airport terminal.

It will be broken down into two main packages Civils work worth up to £115m will include viaducts, embankments, cut and cover works and station platforms.

Some of the works will be within the airside sections of the airport.

The track, rolling stock and associated systems package will be subject to a separate contract worth up to £35m to be awarded concurrently.

The scheme forms part of an ambitious £1.5bn inward investment programme revealed by the council, which outlines a 20-year plan for major transformation of the town.

Planning permission will be sought from Luton Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council possibly by the end of January  for work to start later in 2017 with the system ready for operation 2021.

The link to be funded by the council, which owns the airport, would reduce journey time to London to just 30 minutes.