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

Thursday, 23 September 2021

BBC News

• Translink: Campaign group 'shocked' by request to remove bike lanesBike campaigners say Translink's call to the Department of Infrastructure is
• Croydon tram crash: Coroner calls for automatic brakesSeven people died when the tram tipped over and spun off the track in Croydon in November 2016.
• Travel rule change delayed by lateral flow test shortageTransport Secretary Grant Shapps says private Covid testing firms cannot supply enough lateral flow tests.

Financial Times

• Bus industry tells UK government to go faster on zero-emission vehiclesComplaint over funding reflects broader concern about pace of action to meet decarbonisation goals

The Telegraph

• Airport rescued by Nicola Sturgeon set to become satellite spaceport [subscription]The loss-making Scottish airport rescued by the the SNP in 2013 hopes the space industry can revive its fortunes
• All change on public transport as only 20pc of passengers wear masks [subscription]The low figure, even on Tubes and buses in London, prompts union chiefs to express fears about the safety of public transport workers

City AM

• West Midlands’ transport system will follow London's leadWhile Westminster was abuzz with all the reshuffle gossip last week, my eyes were immediately drawn to the renewed focus on the levelling up agenda. With a new high-profile cabinet minister in place and a re-named department, it is clear the Prime Minister is intent on delivering the vision he laid out in his speech in Coventry back in July. The location of that speech was no accident – the West Midlands is leading the way when it comes to levelling up.

Daily Record

• COP26 facing transport crisis with bus strikes set for NovemberUnite have warned a failure to resolve pay disputes will hit the landmark climate conference taking place in Glasgow.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• ‘Unbelievable uncertainty’ over future transport schemes in West YorkshireWEST Yorkshire faces an “unbelievable” amount of uncertainty over a number of major transport schemes - making it difficult to fully plan for the future.

Derby Telegraph

• Rail firm serving Chesterfield breached advertising rules after axing competition with £5k prizeTrain operator East Midlands Railway – which runs services from Chesterfield – has been censured by advertising watchdogs over a cancelled competition.

The York Press

• Progress on new potential railway station in HaxbyAt a meeting of the Council Executive on 30 September 2021, Councillors will receive an update on the progress made on a potential railway station in Haxby.

Other Regional Press

• SWR sets date for Island Line trains returnIsland Line trains will start running again on November 1, according to franchise holder South Western Railway (SWR).
• Greener and healthier approach to transport agreed by Oldham CouncilOldham Council’s Cabinet has agreed a new approach that looks to get more residents walking, cycling and using public transport.
• West Dorset MP: 'New bus strategy doesn't go far enough to address problems'This week I published my response to the Department for Transport’s white paper on the new national bus strategy. In it I explain why I do not feel the strategy does enough to address problems with rural buses.
• Furious great grandma hits out at packed X11 bus - 'too full' for kids travelling to DorchesterA PENSIONER has said a bus service which is constantly too full has resulted in her great grandchildren being told they cannot get on during the busy morning school run.

Train Operators

• Scotland’s Railway Stakeholder Panel appoints sustainability expertScotland’s Railway has appointed sustainability expert, Michelle Francis, to its Stakeholder Panel which scrutinises the performance of the rail network, as world leaders prepare to attend global climate change conference COP26 in Glasgow at the beginning of November.
• Greater Anglia joins national ‘We Mean Green’ campaign ahead of COP26Today on World Car Free Day (22 September), the rail industry has launched a new campaign – ‘We Mean Green’ – to encourage more people and businesses to choose greener trains over congested roads.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• SHAPE UK to develop Green Hydrogen energy system at Portsmouth International PortA project led by the University of Portsmouth has been awarded £1.5 million to help develop and demonstrate a Green Hydrogen energy system within Portsmouth International Port.   The SHAPE UK project is one of the winning projects of the £23 million Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, funded by the Department for Transport, to propel the government’s commitment to have zero emission ships operating commercially by 2025.   The project will help identify the barriers, infrastructure and regulatory considerations that will enable port managers to install a &ldquo...
• Go-Ahead and Arup publish blueprint for transport connectivity hubsThe Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s largest public transport operators, has teamed up with global engineering and consulting firm Arup to create a blueprint which better integrates public transport with walking, cycling, micromobility and digital services.   The “Future Mobility Hubs” report presents a flexible framework for a network of interchanges that can be adapted to suit different cities, suburbs and rural areas across the UK.   Passengers waiting for a bus could benefit from solar powered lighting and heating, cycle storage and hire, charging points, communi...

New Civil Engineer

• Revealed: Amount spent on HS2 civils work during first year of main constructionHS2 Ltd has paid out £2.5bn to its civils contractors during the first year of construction on the high speed rail line, according to the latest Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.
• NIC calls for streamlining of local transport funding mechanismsThe National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has recommended an overhaul of funding streams for local transport.

Railnews

• Date for Isle of Wight reopening announced WEDNESDAY BRIEFING: Date for Isle of Wight reopening announced ++ Manchester tram strikes called off ++ Rail industry goes green to mark car free day

Other News Sources

• Press Release: AECOM to develop hydrogen-powered railway in Central Italy to enhance economic growthAECOM to develop hydrogen-powered railway in Central Italy to enhance economic growth
• Tory MS ‘fed up’ of hearing Westminster being blamed for transport issuesA Tory MS has said she is “fed up” with Westminster being blamed for Wales’ transport issues.
• UK Government to create Wales Rail Board – which it will sit onThe UK Government is going to create a Wales Rail Board following advice from MPs.
• Go-Ahead and Arup outline vision for sustainable transport hubsThe Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s largest public transport operators, has teamed up with Arup, to create a blueprint which better integrates public transport with walking, cycling, micromobility and digital services, enabling quick and easy connections between sustainable modes of transport.