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

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

BBC News

• City centre trams halted for revampWork starts on the Metrolink in Manchester, suspending all tram services across the city centre for eight weeks.

The Guardian

• Art on the underground: new project aims to electrify Victoria lineCalled Underline, it will incorporate the tube’s first dedicated music commission and a plan to improve one of the most unloved station exitsArtists and architects are to spend a year attempting to improve life for commuters and workers on the London Underground.On Monday, Art on the Underground announced details of a project celebrating the Victoria line, which was the first new tube line to be built across central London in 60 years when it opened in 1969, running between Walthamstow and Victoria. Continue reading...

The Mirror

• Japanese bullet train suicide: Two killed after man sets himself on fire in packed carriageThe train, carrying about 1,000 passengers, made an emergency stop on its way from Tokyo to the western city of Osaka after smoke started to fill at least one carriage, fire department officials said

Manchester Evening News

• Dogs on trams: Report to Metrolink says ban should stay amid risk assessment concerns over allergies and foulingThe law has been in place since Metrolink’s launch in 1992

Wales Online

• Up to £600m confirmed for the next phase of the Metro transport network for South WalesTransport Minister Edwina Hart will confirm that £600m has been identified for Valley Lines, but no decision yet on whether it will be tram or heavy rail

East Anglian Daily Times

• Commuter rail service from Stowmarket cancelled after train fault.A rail service from Stowmarket to London Liverpool Street has been cancelled this morning.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Govt urged to deliver rail enhancementsConcerns have been raised by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) that the government's intention to ensure the Network Rail infrastructure enhancement programme gets back on track could lead to vital projects being delayed.  The Department for Transport revealed that the electrification of the Midland Mainline and the Trans-Pennine route will be deferred as a result of delays and overruns.  FTA chief executive David Wells underlined the fact that the infrastructure enhancements are vital to make sure the UK is able to capitalise on rail for its freight transport needs. 

Rail Magazine

• Ian Allan dies at the age of 93Railway publisher Ian Allan died on June 28, aged 93.

Railnews

• Talks continue over future of Network Rail Discussions over the future shape, organisation and role of Network Rail are being stepped up, after last week's announcement that the government-owned company cannot complete the schemes set out for CP5 because costs are running above estimates. Fresh developments since the transport secretary's announcement on 25 June suggest that Network Rail has now become of the target of conflicting advice, as various parties in the industry jostle for position.

Railway Gazette

• Porterbrook unveils Pacer DMU life-extension demonstratorUK: Porterbrook Leasing has unveiled a Class 144 diesel multiple-unit which has been refurbished to...
• Knorr-Bremse to transfer production from MünchenGERMANY: On June 29 Knorr-Bremse announced plans to move 184 permanent and 118 fixed-term...
• Four bidders shortlisted for London Overground operating concession UK: Four bidders have been shortlisted for the next contract to operate London Overground services,...