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

Saturday, 20 June 2009

Financial Times

• Virgin and Go-Ahead riled by rail ownersLeading train operators on the UK's west coast main line have accused Network Rail of complacency after punctuality on the newly-upgraded route collapsed because of infrastructure failures

The Independent

• Anger at transport managers' pay Unions reacted with anger today after new figures showed the number of managers at Transport for London earning more than £100,000 a year has risen by a third to 163 in Boris Johnson's first year as mayor.

Belfast Telegraph

• Bombardier wins new deal for eight aircraft The Canadian parent company of Bombardier Belfast has won a $224m (£137m) contract for eight Q400 aircraft. Related StoriesDay of reckoning of SetantaCar output falls againRepublic scraps Financial Services RegulatorCouncil urged to agree Foreshore waste planSetanta loses crucial Premier League deal

Metro

• Public rail crashes probe ruled outThe Government has ruled out a public inquiry into the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash which claimed seven lives, and the 2007 Grayrigg derailment in which an elderly passenger was killed.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• Transport group to focus on £140m city square plans Transport chiefs are to launch a study into the opportunities that could be created by Sir Ian Wood™s vision to transform Aberdeen city centre.
• Rail group criticised over planningA railway restoration group has been criticised by councillors for failing to comply with planning conditions.

Yorkshire Evening Post

• Metro hands lifeline to Leeds bus routesTransport chiefs have stepped in to save a number of under-threat bus services in Leeds.
• Yorkshire ranks worst for road crashesYORKSHIRE has the highest rate of fatal and serious injury road crashes in England, a new report says.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Inquests launched into rail crashesTwo inquests will take placed into the Potter's Bar and Grayrigg rail disasters, ministers have announced.Seven people died in the 2002 Potters Bar crash, while one person was killed at Grayrigg in Cumbria when a train derailed in 2007.Both incidents appear to have been caused by faulty sets of points but calls by relatives of the victims for a joint public inquiry into the crashes have not been successful, the Press Association reports.The Department for Transport stated that two inquests will "ensure that lessons are learned and acted upon".However, Bob Crow, general secret...

Rail Technology Magazine

• Follow-Up Orders from Bombardier for the Sprinter Light Train Even before the Sprinter Light Trains from Bombardier were successfully put into operation by the national railway of the Netherlands, the operator called off further options. These follow-up orders ensure the regular supply of FOGTEC fire alarm systems of the 1000 series will be continued over the next few years. The FOGTEC technology will be used for monitoring the electrical high-voltage equipment boxes in the sub-floor level area. ...

Aviation Industry

• Want a say in how Heathrow is run?BAA Heathrow is looking for volunteers who fly through the airport at least 12 times a year to serve as members of the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee, an independent statutory body which ensures the airport is run and developed in a way which has the passenger interest at heart...
• London Gatwick Airport launches public consultation on its draft noise action planThe noise action plan, which is to be published to comply with the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006, is a five year plan highlighting the actions London Gatwick Airport will take to manage and mitigate noise arising from aircraft departing from and arriving at the airport...
• Pilot's death could renew debate over age limitThe death of the 60-year-old captain of a Continental Airlines jetliner as he flew 247 passengers across the Atlantic could spark a new debate over age limits in the cockpit.

Other News Sources

• High-speed rail eyes public helpRick Harnish, head of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, gives an update Friday on passenger service to Fort Wayne at Baker Street Station.
• Adonis: No public inquiry for Grayrigg or Potters Bar rail disastersTransport secretary Lord Adonis today rejected calls for a public inquiry into the rail accidents at Grayrigg and Potters Bar, that both resulted in deaths of passengers.
• Public rail crashes probe ruled out
• Shipbuilding Sees Possible Turning PointAccording to a June 19 report from The Chosun Ilbo, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding announced it had won $340m in orders to eight build tankers for an unidentified European company. This includes an option for an additional four depending on progress. This is seen as a possible turning point in a stagnant...
• Gordon Brown 'hurt' by political attacks Gordon Brown says he's been stung by criticism and could walk away from Downing Street at any time.Related StoriesNew phone tax will pay for broadbandSpeaker Michael Martin in parting shot on expensesCommons fury over spending cutsIraq inquiry 'should be held in public'
• New UK High Speed rail service makes debut Service will boost case for high speed rail in the UK -  Lord Adonis.read more

Other Subscription Services

• Fredriksen orders still dominate at Jinhaiwan despite ownership changeSHIPS ordered by shipping billionaire comprise nearly 60% of the orderbook at China’s Zhoushan Jinhaiwan shipyard.
• Green Reefers sells two ships to ease cash woesNORWEGIAN ship owner has sold two 1992-built vessels and will offer another ship to shareholders to ease the company’s financial woes.