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

Monday, 03 August 2009

BBC News

• Tram links shut for new line work Two of Greater Manchester's main tram links are closed while work gets under way on new routes.
• Views sought on new road schemes People in a Cumbrian town are being asked what they think should be done to improve roads and transport.
• Nissan rolls out new electric carCarmaker Nissan unveils its first electric car, taking it closer to its aim to become the first car firm to mass produce the vehicles.

Financial Times

• German ship financing faces its deepest crisisThe system that financed a third of the world's container ships is facing its biggest crisis after the industry slump cut many specialist shipping funds' earnings
• National Express to fight being railroadedBus and rail operator's chairman blames the UK transport departmentthe company's woes and insists the group can survive without a takeover

The Guardian

• There's no such thing as a free bus pass Free bus travel for senior citizens is wonderful but, it seems, someone has to pay. Naturally, it's all Gordon Brown's fault
• Giant screens at crash sites to end 'rubbernecking' danger "Rubbernecking" - when motorists slow down to view accidents, occasionally with disastrous results - could become increasingly rare under plans for a national roll-out of giant safety screens that can be erected around crash scenes within minutes.
• Public will pay millions to fund Mayor's Routemaster, say analysts Taxpayer funds pumped into the bus network will rise from £653m to £766m by 2017, excluding the cost of Routemasters

The Herald

• Turbulent times for BA after losses of £148mBritish Airways yesterday reported a pre-tax loss of £148m in the three months to the end of June and chief executive Willie Walsh said trading conditions remained “very challenging”.

The Scotsman

• National Express revving up for £350m cash call DEBT-laden transport group National is reportedly gaining support from shareholders for a plan to retain its independence, which could see it carry out a £350 million rights issue.
• Interview: Nicola Shaw: Bus chief whose feminine touch belies a driving ambition to one day lead a blue-chip company SINCE privatisation was embraced by bus and coach operators in 1985, the sector has become fiercely competitive. In Scotland the opportunity gave birth to two titans of the industry: Sir Moir Lockhead, chief executive of First Group, and Brian Souter, chief executive of Stagecoach.

The Telegraph

• BA's financial crisis: the axe of fate couldn't have hit a more deserving target “Schadenfreude” is a magnificent word for a not very nice sentiment. But sometimes you can’t help feeling that the axe of fate couldn’t have hit a more appropriate target. I refer, of course, to the current severe financial problems at British Airways.
• National Express cash call wins shareholder backing National Express is poised to press ahead with a cash call to raise up to £350m to maintain its independence after receiving support from one of its largest shareholders.

Times Online

• National Express wins £350m rights backing National Express is weighing up a £350m rights issue after getting the green light for a plan to remain independent.

Birmingham Post

• Firms fear new parking levy will drive up costs The Government has announced the UK’s first-ever tax on parking spaces in Nottingham – but councils in the West Midlands could be set to follow. Deputy head of business Graeme Brown spoke to business leaders about whether they’d be happy to pay to park.
• National Express tight-lipped over £350m rights issue National Express has refused to be drawn on reports it is planning to pursue a £350 million rights issue after securing the support of some of its biggest shareholders.

Nottingham Evening Post

• Businesses look to 'tram tax' legal challenge A CAMPAIGN by city businesses opposed to the workplace parking levy will consider a legal challenge to the scheme.
• Developers to be asked to tender for tram CONSTRUCTION firms will be able to tender for the development of tram Net Phase Two from as early as this month.

Washington Post

• LaHood: Car rebates will stop unless Senate acts WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration will suspend the

Other News Sources

• Number of car journeys fell while politicians were promoting c-charge Surprise 18 per cent drop is revealed in State of the City report as use of public transport increases. Nearly a fifth fewer cars drove into Manchester last year, despite dire warnings that the city needed a congestion charge to prevent the loss of 30,000 jobs.
• Ryanair apology for long delays at airports Ryanair apologised yesterday for delays that disrupted the travel plans of hundreds of passengers departing from Stansted. It blamed the problems on staff shortages at its ground handling contractor, Swissport, which meant “an inadequate number of bag drop desks were operating”.
• Heathrow airport noise pollution study 'illogical', says top aviation scientist The air industry regulator’s former chief scientist has called on the Government to commission a new study into the effects of aircraft noise on residents around Heathrow Airport.
• Land needed for Heathrow Airtrack plan BAA has applied for permission from the Transport Secretary to go ahead with Heathrow Airtrack and acquire land needed for the project.
• Tram bosses declare war on contractors THE AGENCY BEHIND THE EDINBURGH TRAM project is "almost certain" to start formal dispute proceedings against its main contractor amid fears that the scheme could now end up £100 million over budget.
• Rail firm looks at study for pedestrian bridge RESEARCH is under way for a potential new pedestrian footbridge at a north Hampshire railway station.
• Great Eastern profits downGREAT Eastern Shipping has reported a 55% drop in operating profit for the first quarter ending 30 June, 2009 on account of lower freight earnings on all segments.
• Investigating Noise Protection for Thousands - Noise Action Plans England Defra consult on noise action plans for England.