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

Tuesday, 26 March 2024

BBC News

• People left trapped as local bus services cutThe number of council-supported bus routes in Kent has more than halved in the past 10 years, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
• Hitachi reviews 'all options' over train orders gapHitachi Rail is reviewing "all remaining options" after it said no solution was found to plug a gap in train orders.
• Anger as HS2 plans four-year main road closureResidents living close to the new HS2 high-speed railway station at Old Oak Common in north-west London say they are "shattered" that their main road is set to be closed for four years.
• Electric buses: Reading to get 24 new double-deckersA town is to get its first electric bus fleet after securing £4.7m in funding from the government.
• CrossCountry upgrade will see 25% more rail seatsThe long-distance train operator is introducing 12 new trains and refurbishing its current fleet.

Department for Transport

• Government sets out next steps on Northern Powerhouse Rail between Liverpool and ManchesterPassengers will benefit from faster journey times, more frequent rail services and better connectivity across the North.

Financial Times

• Cleaning house: Boeing's board searches for new chief following leadership shake-upStephanie Pope, Dave Gitlin and Patrick Shanahan are among possible contenders to take over as CEO
• Boeing chief Calhoun to step down as company battles safety concernsManagement shake-up follows weeks of turmoil for US aircraft manufacturer

The Guardian

• Baltimore Key Bridge collapse: vehicles fall into water after being hit by shipMayor says rescue efforts are under way after cargo vessel crashed into Francis Scott Key Bridge, sending vehicles into water
• Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down in wake of cabin panel blowoutCalhoun announces plans to resign amid biggest safety crisis for Boeing since crashes of two of its Max 8 jets in 2018 and 2019. The CEO of Boeing has announced plans to resign amid a sweeping overhaul of the planemaker's management as it fights to repair its reputation following a terrifying cabin panel blowout.
• Ancient Welsh mountain byway threatened by resurfacing plansConservationists fear tranquility offered by the Monks Trod path could be ruined if made accessible to off-road vehicles. Winding its way through the Cambrian mountains in mid Wales, the Monks Trod byway was built to link two medieval abbeys and is now a wild and wonderful route for people seeking a little tranquility.

Times Online

• Business duo warn Glasgow over ‘lazy’ parking charge plans. [subscription]Lord Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter fear the council’s new measures will work against efforts to regenerate the city centre
• Boeing’s management shake-up shows depth of crisis of confidence. [subscription]Under pressure from safety regulators and airlines, executives are being forced out as the aircraft maker seeks to create new management team and rebuild trust

Senedd Cymru

• Ebbw Vale train frequency enhancement scheme startsEconomy and Transport Minister Ken Skates has announced a reopening of the feasibility study into increasing the frequency of trains running from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff. He is also calling on the UK Government once again to invest more fairly in Wales’ rail infrastructure, especially given the continued concentration of UK Government railway enhancement spending in the wealthier parts of the UK.

Transport Committee

• MPs to debate National Networks National Policy Statement following Transport Committee inquiryThe Government’s new suite of planning regulations that ministers will use to determine ‘nationally significant’ road and rail projects will be debated in the House of Commons on the afternoon of Tuesday, 26 March.

The National

• Scenic Scottish railway line reopens after £1.6m investmentA SCENIC Scottish railway line has reopened after nine days of works.

Local Government

• Council welcomes “critical” rail announcementWarrington’s rail transport aspirations remain on track following confirmation of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) plans announced.

Birmingham Post

• UK Space Agency to open new headquarters and offices in Wales, the Midlands and ScotlandAgency works to support the space sector across the UK
• Airlander 10 airship production plant location in Yorkshire is unveiledThe Hybrid Air Vehicles production will create 1,200 new green jobs as well as a thriving supply chain
• Union joins calls to save Hitachi rail plant in County DurhamUnite wants Ministers to commit to new work as concerns increase over future of UK rail manufacturing industry

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Bradford Interchange: T&A calls for review over FOI requestThe Telegraph & Argus has asked for a review to be carried out after West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said it was

Manchester Evening News

• 'Real breakthrough' in Manchester Piccadilly underground station plans as government issues updateA new underground station could still be built at Manchester Piccadilly. The government had previously dismissed the proposal, but the transport secretary has now said he is open to considering it as he set out plans for a new train line across the North of England.

Nation. Cymru

• How the Welsh Conservatives would improve transport in WalesBe in no doubt, a Welsh Conservative Government would end Labour’s war on motorists from day one and get our country moving again.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• Viaduct restoration in Dudley nears completionThe multi-million pound restoration of Dudley's historic Parkhead Viaduct is nearing completion, with the final scaffolding due to be removed in the coming days.

Kent Online

• Southeastern recovered £2.5m in unpaid fare penalties in year following fine increaseMore than 5,000 fare-dodgers a month are being hit with bumped-up £100 fines by Southeastern for not buying a rail ticket.

South Wales Argus

• £43k shelter may not be part of Caerphilly railway stationA new £43,000 shelter for passengers waiting at Caerphilly railway station is not part of the wider regeneration plans for the site.
• Ken Skates says M4 relief road costs would be 'astronomical'WALES’ new transport secretary has said he “can’t see” an M4 relief road being built due to “astronomical” costs and the work that has already taken place on "alternative solutions".

Other Regional Press

• Falmouth one of first towns in Cornwall to get electric busFalmouth is to become one of the first towns in Cornwall to get an electric bus.

Bus and Coach Buyer

• National Coach Week launch with Transport ministerSecretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, has confirmed he will attend the launch of National Coach Week on 8 April at Grindles Coaches, in his constituency at Cinderford, Gloucestershire.

New Civil Engineer

• DfT sets out next steps for Northern Powerhouse Rail from Liverpool to ManchesterThe government has outlined the next steps in the development of Northern Powerhouse Railway (NPR) between Liverpool and Manchester following engagement with local leaders and MPs.

Rail Advent

• North Wales rail partnership recognised at national awardsAt this year's national Community Rail Awards, the Community Rail Network Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership were recognised in two categories.
• CrossCountry announces more trains and major refurbishment programmeCrossCountry Trains has announced that it is adding extra trains to its fleet, and that all its existing trains are to undergo a major refurbishment.

The Business Desk

• Government confirms £12bn towards Northern Powerhouse RailThe Government has confirmed £12bn towards delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail “as previously set out”, including a new Liverpool to Manchester link.
• Rail firm heading for the sidings as administrators alertedA railway equipment supplier in Birmingham is facing an uncertain future, TheBusinessDesk.com understands. Solo Rail Solutions, which has its headquarters in Nechells but also has a base in Saltley, has posted a notice of intention to appoint administrators via law firm The Wilkes Partnership. The move will protect Solo Rail Solutions from creditor action for a period of ten days while the company tries to find a way forward.

Other News Sources

• Self-driving delivery boat scoops share of £1.8m future transport fundFuture transport concepts including an automated boat that could deliver parcels by water have been awarded government funding to support their development.
• Transport for the North sets out new plansTransport for the North (TfN) has updated its strategic plan that outlines its vision for the region.
• Cab drivers slammed over 'horrendous weeing and pooing' near Heathrow Airport homesThe enforcement seeks to crackdown on littering, property damage, defecation and urination on public land and in communities close to Heathrow Airport.