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

Thursday, 15 March 2018

BBC News

• Cyclist lights plan after tram track death in EdinburghProposed new traffic signals would allow cyclists to set off before other vehicles in Edinburgh.
• Almost nine in ten Scots 'satisfied with bus journeys'A survey from the independent transport watchdog found satisfaction was high in Scotland.
• Uber changes app following TfL concerns over licensingThe revamped taxi-hailing app will
• What will the future of cars look like?Robot taxis, funky lights, a living room on wheels: The Geneva Motor Show gives us a glimpse into the future of motoring.
• MPs warn of 'poisonous air' emergency costing £20bn a yearPetrol and diesel cars must be phased out earlier than the 2040 target, four Commons committees say.

Department for Transport

• New laws unlock exciting space era for UKBritish businesses will soon be able to compete in the commercial space race using UK spaceports.

Financial Times

• Port operator DP World reports higher profits on rising volumes

The Scotsman

• Driverless cars will be on Scotland's roads in 2021The idea of electrically powered, driverless cars patrolling the highways and byways of Scotland was once confined to the realms of science fiction.

The Telegraph

• Ban on diesel and petrol cars from 2040 does not go far enough, MPs warnThe ban on the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars from 2040 "lacks sufficient ambition" and should be brought forward, MPs have said. A joint committee report urged the Government to determine the earliest date that manufacturers must only sell alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in the UK.

Times Online

• Carmakers ‘should pay for pollution’ [Subscription]Car manufacturers should be forced to contribute to a clean air fund to compensate for the health costs of diesel pollution, MPs will recommend today. The policy would cost some companies hundreds of millions of pounds.

City AM

• The global low-cost airlines market is expected to soar to $208bn in 2023The global low-cost airlines market is projected to reach $208bn (£149bn) in 2023 thanks to the growth of the growth of the travel and tourism sectors.
• Uber revamps its app in London to make clear to passengers that drivers are TfL-licensedUber is changing its app in London to make clear to passengers that all bookings are accepted by Uber London and not individual drivers, after Transport for London (TfL) criticised its system on revoking its licence last year.
• There's no way to predict the next Carillion-style collapse, says infrastructure investor preparing to float new fundInvestment firm Gravis, which is preparing to float a new infrastructure fund in London, has said there is no way to predict another collapse like that of construction firm Carillion.

Manchester Evening News

• This is Manchester's first electric black cab - with 'fume protection', wi-fi, and a roof window First five to arrive this month and it could be start of an electric revolution

Northern Echo

• Mothballed railway lines at Leamside and Stillington on the agenda at campaign group meetingTHE possibility of the mothballed Stillington and Leamside lines being re-instated for passenger use will be on the agenda at a public meeting of Railfuture North-East.

Wales Online

• Trains, buses, bikes, taxis and people: This is Port Talbot's new £5.6m transport hub It's the future of transport in Port Talbot, now
• Why rail passengers in Wales could soon have no toilets on servicesPassengers on the Valley Lines could face a future without toilets on services. Instead, if they're caught short on their journey, they'll be encouraged to get off and use new facilities on stations being installed as part of a £50m investment.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• Spaghetti Junction to be built in LegoThought building Spaghetti Junction was a challenge? Well, now specialist toy makers want to recreate the entire thing in LEGO.

East Anglian Daily Times

• No trains between Ipswich and Felixstowe following crashRepairs are being carried out at a Suffolk level crossing this morning following a crash between a freight train and a car.

Other Regional Press

• Council leaders demand Transport Secretary reveals how many years of extra noise ‘he expects local communities to suffer'Council leaders have called on the Transport Secretary to reveal how many years of extra noise “he expects local communities to suffer” as a result of the Heathrow expansion.
• Former MP calls for GWR for poor service on train which runs between Worcester, Evesham and MalvernA FORMER MP who campaigned to get investment in the North Cotswolds line has slammed operator Great Western Railway for the substandard service it offers its passengers.
• Potholes could be fixed faster as new company takes on the jobTHE battle against potholes and poor surfaces on all major Oxford roads could be tackled by the city council when a big change comes into effect.
• Improving rail capacity between Oxford and Didcot 'should be made priority' in Great Western rethinkIMPROVED rail capacity between Oxford and Didcot should be made a priority as the Government seeks answers to ‘crucial questions’ over the future of the Great Western franchise.
• Rise in electric vehicle registrations in Kent and MedwayAre there enough charging points in Kent to power the growing number of electric cars... and would you own an eco vehicle?
• New Exeter railway station 'to be fully funded within six months'The ‘strategically important’ and long-delayed Marsh Barton station is expected to be fully-funded within the next six months, it was revealed on Wednesday.

Buying Business Travel

• MAG applies to raise passenger cap at StanstedAirport was 'fastest growing' for group in February
• Government opens APD consultationTreasury examining impact of air tax on tourism
• Government opens APD consultationTreasury examining impact of air tax on tourism

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Government publishes call for evidence on cycle safetyCycling Minister Jesse Norman has set out his plans to help people to walk and cycle more, as part of a push for the UK to leave cars behind for shorter journeys. This comes as the Department for Transport publishes a call for evidence on cycling in this country, asking for a range of views and opinions from the public on everything from improved infrastructure to education for all road users. This is part of the government’s drive to make cycling and walking safer, while encouraging more people to take up cycling at all ages as part of a green revolution in transport. Mr Norman also ...

New Civil Engineer

• Heathrow expansion could rest on air quality issueConstruction for Heathrow’s third runway could be held back until the airport can prove expansion will not make London’s air quality worse, deputy mayor for transport Val Shawcross has revealed.

Rail Technology Magazine

• Bidders shortlisted for Edinburgh tram extension contractA list of four bidders has been finalized for the Infrastructure and Systems contract to take trams to Newhaven, Edinburgh. The City of Edinburgh Council has called the step a “key milestone” towards the completion of the Final Business Case for the project. Contractors were invited...

Aviation Industry

• New carrier Air Belgium receives AOCA new Belgian airline Air Belgium with backing from a huge Chinese travel agency has received its air operator's certificate (AOC) and plans to begin flying to China in April, beginning with a service to Hong Kong.
• Airbus leads 2018 new orders while Boeing dominates deliveriesAt the 2018 two-month mark, Airbus leads rival Boeing in new commercial aircraft orders with 60 firm bookings, valued at approximately $13.3 billion at list prices, compared to Boeing’s 47 new orders, valued at $10.1 billion. read more
• Lufthansa extends contract for CEO Carsten SpohrLufthansa's supervisory board has extended the contract of the group's CEO Carsten Spohr by five years, assuring continuity at Europe's largest airline.

Other News Sources

• New laws unlock exciting space era for UKBritish businesses will soon be able to compete in the commercial space race using UK spaceports.
• Newport train factory offers "once in a generation" chanceA TRAIN manufacturing company is offering a "once in a generation" chance to work at a groundbreaking new factory which is being built in Newport.