Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Saturday, 09 May 2026

BBC News

• New bus station to open after delaysA town's new bus station will open this weekend following months of delays.
• Major train operator to be renationalised in monthsThe rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) is to be renationalised in a "significant" move for trains in the West of England, the government has confirmed.
• Crunch meeting held before key airport loan voteA last-minute meeting between senior officials and city councillors has been held ahead of a critical vote affecting the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
• Slip road on busy section of M8 motorway to close for entire weekendWork on a bridge near the Hillington junction could affect people travelling to the Braehead shopping centre.
• US jet fuel could be used in Europe to ease possible shortagesAn international air body suggests wider acceptance of US-grade jet fuel could help to head off any supply problems.

The Guardian

• Our cities are choked by cars – here’s how experts would fix themTurning parking bays into green spaces and prioritising cyclists may be the fastest routes to improving urban lifeClean air, safer streets and a stable climate are among the reasons doctors and environmental experts want fewer cars clogging our roads. Reduced dependence on fuel – especially when prices are high and most countries rely on imports – is another.Yet while some cities with world-class public transport are debating how to tackle the stubborn minority of journeys still made by car, others – particularly in the US – have become so dependent on driving that opti...
• Great Western Railway to be nationalised in DecemberTrain operator will become 11th national service returned to public ownership since Labour was elected in 2024Great Western Railway will be nationalised in December, the government has announced. The train service, which has been in private hands for 30 years, mainly run by First Group, will be the 11th train operator on the national railway brought back into public ownership.

The Herald

• Works at ferry terminal on Cowal peninsula approvedWorks at a ferry terminal on the Cowal peninsula, including the widening of its slipway, have been approved by council officers.
• Highland rail route to close for major engineering worksNetwork Rail is set to carry out major engineering work worth £6m next month on one of the Highlands' most important transport routes.

The Independent

• Government sets date for nationalisation of Great Western RailwayIt is the 11th operator with a Government contract to be taken into public ownership

The Telegraph

• Labour scrambles to defuse tensions over Heathrow third runway [subscription]Government officials meet opponents concerned about expansion of London airport

Times Online

• Flight chaos 'downplayed' as jet fuel crisis threatens holidays [subscription]Almost 400 flights scheduled for May were scrubbed in 11 days in April as the Iran war raised costs, but government advice counts only last-minute cancellations
• British Airways owner warns of £2bn hit as Iran war bites [subscription]IAG reports over 70% rise in first-quarter profits but cautions that the cost of jet fuel will weigh on the bottom line

City AM

• IAG: British Airways owner plays down jet fuel shortage concernsBritish Airways owner IAG has played down fears of a jet fuel shortage forcing it to cancel flights this summer but warned investors to expect lower earnings as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Network Rail

• Innovative Severn Tunnel upgrade to transform key rail link between South Wales and EnglandPassengers are advised to plan ahead as Network Rail carry out major upgrade in the Severn Tunnel and Bristol area, with replacement buses and diversionary routes in place to keep people moving from late May to early June.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Leeds Bradford Airport wins Disrupter of the Year awardLeeds Bradford Airport received the honour at the Yorkshire Children's Charity Commercial Real Estate Awards 2026, held on Thursday, May 7, in recognition of its LBA:REGEN project.

Bristol Live

• Great Western Railway to be nationalised this year"I’m sure everyone in the West who – like me – catches the train will welcome this news"
• Concerns grow over Airport expansion as some say 'expand Cardiff instead'Bristol Airport has submitted major expansion plans

Northern Echo

• New Northern Sunday trains between Whitby and NewcastleNorthern passengers are being reminded that some train times are due to change, while new Sunday services will be introduced on the County Durham coast.

Yorkshire Post

• 'It can't be derailed': Doncaster Sheffield Airport cargo boss issues plea to councillors ahead of £57m voteThe man leading efforts to bring cargo flights back to Doncaster Sheffield Airport is urging councillors not to derail the project at a crunch meeting on Monday. Chris Burn reports.

Other Regional Press

• Leader of Council asks for On Demand bus service to be extended to RedditchTHE LEADER of Redditch Borough Council has written to the councillor for highways and transport to ask for the On Demand Bus service to extend across the town.
• Talks underway over future of Platform 1 Pacer train abandoned inside Huddersfield Railway StationTalks are underway about the future of an old Pacer train now abandoned inside the soon-to-be-restored Huddersfield Railway Station.
• Highland railway investment of £6m confirmed for Far North Line works, which will temporarily shut route between Dingwall and Caithness for much of JuneAround £6 million will be spent during major works that will close a key Highland rail line for three weeks this summer, it has emerged.

Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

• In search of Africa's lost railways - S4 Ep12While researching the history and current plight of Africa's railways for a forthcoming book of his own, Christian takes time out to speak to David Williams, author of 'On the Railway: The Great South African Train Story' [2:31]. In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks whether passenger safety precautions on airliners are up to date [44:34].

Other News Sources

• Direct Ferries launches ferry search inside ChatGPTDirect Ferries has launched a ferry search and discovery service inside ChatGPT, making more than 4,000 ferry routes searchable through the AI platform.
• Isle of Wight MP slams £511 ferry fare as absolute insultConservative MP Joe Robertson has taken to social media to blast Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink after spotting a return vehicle ferry fare costing more than £500 during the Isle of Wight Festival.
• Twenty train stations will close to ScotRail services this summer - full listNetwork Rail has confirmed a key connection route for communities will be shut for three weeks in June
• Heathrow catering contract taken on by new operator - union raises concernsA catering contract at Heathrow airport supporting 170 jobs has been transferred to a new operator, though GMB Union has raised concerns about the handover.