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

Friday, 01 August 2008

BBC News

• Soaring fuel bill hits BA profitsBritish Airways blames a doubling of fuel costs for an 88% drop in quarterly profits during the
• Airports report more passengersThe numbers of passengers passing through Highlands and Islands airports reached a record 1.2m for the year up to March.
• Full steam ahead for new engineThe first steam engine built to run on the UK mainline for almost 50 years is to make its trial run.
• Deep sea container site plannedPlans for a a £500m deep sea container terminal at Avonmouth Dock near Bristol have been submitted to the government.
• Production resumes at LongbridgeFull-scale car production at the famous Longbridge plant in Birmingham is due to start later.
• On the rackEtiquette of parking bikes without annoying others
• UK in 'delusion' over emissionsThe UK has been living under a delusion over its claim to be cutting greenhouse gases, according to two reports.

Department for Transport

• £400m Government investment in North East transportMajor renewals on the Tyne and Wear Metro and plans for a new river crossing in Sunderland have been given the green light today, after Transport Minister Rosie Winterton announced a new funding package of around £400 million for these important North East schemes.
• Step forward in Pendolino lengthening projectAgreement has been reached with Virgin Rail Projects Ltd to support the Department for Transport's plans to introduce longer 'Pendolino' trains on the West Coast Main Line.

Financial Times

• Exxon again sets US profits recordThe run-up in oil and natural gas prices in the second quarter led ExxonMobil to report the highest profit by a US­ company, in spite of falling production, lower refining and chemical margins and rising operating costs
• Lufthansa's German operations sufferEurope's second-largest carrier, which also owns Swiss airlines, saw second-quarter operating profit at its German passenger operations shrink 34% as record fuel prices and global economic troubles took their toll
• BrisConnections falls 60% on debutBrisConnections, which has won a tender to operate an airport toll road, recorded one of the worst stock-market debuts in recent memory with its share price sinking 60 per cent on its first day of dealing
• Ryanair expands presence in ItalyRyanair, the biggest European low-cost carrier, is expanding its presence in Italy by establishing two more operating bases at Bologna and Forli

The Guardian

• Coach boss takes on airline industryThe chief executive of National Express has urged the rail industry to target domestic airlines after warning that train operators need to "make our case better".
• Transport: Compete more with domestic airlines, rail industry toldThe chief executive of National Express has urged the rail industry to target domestic airlines after warning that train operators needed to promote themselves better.
• Sky-high fuel prices push drivers to consider public transportAlmost two-thirds of Britons say they are considering using public transport to save on personal fuel costs, according to a survey from YouGov.
• The Go-Ahead boss driving public transportKeith Ludeman was once considered too outspoken, but the frank talker now runs Britain's busiest train company
• National Archives: Police opposed seat belts law as waste of their timeThe RAC was sceptical, the police said they would waste their time and civil servants worried that old people would not wear them when Ted Heath's government began the tortuous process of considering whether wearing seat belts in cars should be made compulsory in the early 1970s, according to government papers released at the National Archives yesterday.
• 'Oil from algae' promises green fuelEnvironment, science & technology: A company in San Diego claims to have developed a sustainable version of oil it calls 'green crude'

The Herald

• HIAL reports increased traffic at Highland airportsThe publicly-owned Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) will today report growth from Shetland in the north to Campbeltown and Islay in the south
• Recent deaths renew calls for A9 to be made into dual carriagewayThere are no flowers yet, just a rectangle of new road surface replacing the section that was on fire - a rather functional memorial to the four people who recently lost their lives in a horrific crash on the A9.
• How upgrading nine miles of road reduced fatalities to zeroIt was the talk of the staffroom at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock. Surgeons used to dealing with casualties pulled from car wrecks noticed that such patients were becoming fewer and farther between. They wondered what had changed.

The Scotsman

• East Coast line grows National Express profitsRAIL services running on the East Coast Main Line have helped to boost profits at transport firm National Express.

The Telegraph

• Rail fares rising faster than ever Cost of rail travel growing faster than at any time since privatisation.
• Road Tax plans to hit nine million face criticism from MPsTreasury plans to increase road tax on millions of cars already on the road face criticism from MPs next week.
• Seatbelts considered too 'new-fangled' for elderly drivers, government thoughtElderly people were considered for an exemption from car seatbelt laws because they were thought so obstinate many would rather give up car travel than put up with the

Times Online

• Overbooked: airlines face a web rebellionTechnology is giving airline passengers the power to organise resistance to irritating practices as overbooking

Reuters News

• Nearly 75 percent would drive an electric carLONDON (Reuters) - Nearly three-quarters of British motorists would consider driving an electric car, a survey has found.

Mail Online

• Sorry, no room on the bus - it's full of silver surfers (that's over 60s with free passes)Allowing the over-60s free bus travel anywhere in England has left paying passengers often unable to find a seat. Operators are receiving frequent complaints from would-be travellers left stranded.

ATOC

• National Rail Trends Yearbook 2007-8Comment on the publication of National Rail Trends (2007-08)

Network Rail

• RAIL CRIME “ HAMPSHIRE HOTSPOTS REVEALED AS NO MESSIN™ LIVE! COMES TO THE COUNTY

Transport Briefing

• Metro re-invigoration: how the money will be spentPhase one: projects already underway - £15m for 225 ticket machines and automatic barriers at 13 stations
• Sunderland river crossing gains Programme Entry statusAs well as approving a major package of renewals for the Tyne and Wear Metro system, transport minister Rosie Winterton has this week given the green light to plans for a new river crossing in Sunderland.
• Virgin back in frame for Pendolino train lengtheningPendolino trains serving the West Coast Main Line are to be lengthened after the government signed an agreement with Virgin Rail Group, ending years of uncertainty about the project.
• Imperial Wharf station construction starts after 15 yearsWork to build a new London Overground station in the south of Fulham has finally begun after years of funding wrangles.
• Metro phase 2 rail upgrade bankrolled by governmentTyne and Wear passenger transport executive Nexus has secured a commitment of more than £300m commitment from government to invest in the next phase of renewal and modernisation for the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

Birmingham Post

• International aspirations let down by dire transportOur city planners are guilty of being romanced by the idea of creating a legacy, of building bigger, taller and shinier than their counterparts in other cities; and guilty of demonstrating their impressive plans at international expos and conventions while knowing that our city is lacking quality transport amenities.
• National Express sales rise as travellers choose buses and trainsBirmingham-based National Express (NEX) is to mount a vigorous campaign to attract customers as high petrol prices force more travellers to leave their cars at home.
• New Street redevelopment hit by more delaysFrustration over the redevelopment of New Street Station has been exacerbated by a delay of six months in naming the architects for the £600m scheme.
• £26m to help tackle West Midlands traffic congestionThe West Midlands is to receive £26.6 million of funding to introduce congestion-busting technology and traffic flow improvement measures.

Bristol Live

• Bristol link road reopen to rush-hour trafficA Road that provides a link between the University of the West of England, Hambrook and Frenchay has reopened to all peak-time traffic after more than two years.

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Airbus pays out £500m for A380 delaysLATE deliveries of Airbus’ flagship A380 superjumbo have cost the company more than £500m in compensation payouts to airlines, it was revealed yesterday.

Edinburgh Evening News

• Bus firm to axe routes as bosses' wages soarLOTHIAN Buses are to axe or cut back 16 routes in a bid to help the council-owned firm break even – at the same time as its directors bank inflation-busting pay rises.
• On track all his life to see in tramsNEIL RENILSON has a faulty chromosome. He admits it openly – and it's nothing to do with his penchant for loud check jackets.
• Cash 'wasted on bus lane'MONEY earmarked for an "unpopular" bus lane should be spent on pedestrian safety, a leading councillor has said.

Journal Live

• £600m spending spree for regionGOVERNMENT spending chiefs are to open up their books and ask the North East to advise on the best way to spend £600m a year in transport and housing cash.

Liverpool Echo

• Thousands to ride for free on busesTHOUSANDS of city residents will be given free bus passes to encourage them to leave their car at home and use public transport instead.

London Evening Standard

• Fewer fines under TfL's 'fair' driveLondon has recorded its biggest fall in fines issued to drivers on red routes.
• Mayor backs 50% increase in flights from City AirportA major policy U-turn by Boris Johnson has opened the way for the expansion of City Airport, but a final decision is likely to be delayed
• Boom in public transport to beat soaring fuel costsSoaring fuel prices are causing almost two-thirds of Londoners to consider using public transport rather than going by car, a poll reveals

Manchester Evening News

• Charge to miss key congestionHALF the cost of congestion to Greater Manchester is caused by traffic that never comes inside the M60, new figures have revealed.
• Metrolink's '3,200 new jobs'THE proposed expansion of Greater Manchester's Metrolink network will generate more than 3,200 new jobs in the city area over the next 18 years, a report said today.
• Fuel prices boost National ExpressBUS and trains group National Express today said it was encouraged by trading as soaring petrol prices force travellers out of their cars.

Metro

• Rail fares on the riseRail passengers are paying 2.7 per cent more for fares than they were last year, a report revealed yesterday.
• Fuel costs 'turning drivers green'The credit crunch and high petrol prices are making drivers more aware of the environment, a survey finds.
• Ryanair to ban hold baggage?Low-cost airline considering banning checked-in luggage on 'non-tourist' routes in an effort to cut costs.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Government approves £400m revamp of MetroA MASSIVE scheme to modernise the Metro was given the go-ahead today as Ministers announced a £400m plan to improve the North East’s transport links.

The News (Portsmouth)

• Commuters are urged to voice their views on planned rail cutsRAIL commuters have protested against plans to reduce ticket office opening hours.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• Work starts to improve busy A82 junctionTransport bosses say design work is under way in an attempt to resolve problems at one of the busiest junctions in the Highlands.
• Supermarkets rev up war on fuel costs by cutting pricesAll four major supermarkets have cut petrol prices for the second week in a row, amid an increasingly intense fuel-price war.

This Is Local London Network

• HARROW: Council cuts speed to go greenRoads in the borough could see a fleet of slow-driving Harrow Council cars, vans and school buses after staff were advised to reduce their speed.
• Boris nearing 100Approaching his 100th day as London Mayor, Boris Johnson talks about tackling knife crime, Heathrow and cycle superhighways.

Wales Online

• Teens arrested over ’train-surfing’ stuntA COMMUTER train was forced to make an emergency stop near Wales’ busiest railway station when a teenager started “train surfing”.

Blackpool Gazette

• Cycle route extended along Blackpool PromCYCLISTS will soon be able to pedal all the way from Cleveleys to Fleetwood when the Promenade is officially designated as a cycle route.

Daventry Express

• People's pod panel meetingA NEW people's panel that will advise Daventry District Council as it moves towards building a pod pilot track in town meets for the first time today (Thursday).

Northants Evening Telegraph

• What can be done about the A43?Motorists are being given the chance to have their say on the future of one of the county's most dangerous roads.

Washington Post

• Auto sales seen down sharply in July DETROIT (Reuters) - Automakers are expected to report on Friday that U.S. auto sales fell for a ninth consecutive month in July, as the industry hits its worst showing in 15 years.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Ocean freight tracking system developedInttra has developed a new solution to aid tracking of shipments throughout the supply chain.The ocean freight specialist has designed Idle Container Management (ICM) for freight forwarders and shippers in order to ensure visibility and alert customers if shipments are not on track.Inttra's vice president of commercial John DeBenedette explained that such visibility of data is key to the success of the logistics industry."With the availability of Inttra ICM we are providing companies with a simple-to-use comprehensive solution that enables them to take greater control of their supply ...

Railnews

• News: Birmingham Gateway Project Dubbed 'Cosmetic Exercise' By MPs THE £600 million New Street Gateway project to redevelop and transform Birmingham New Street station and the surrounding area has moved a step closer with the City Council’s drawing up of a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of a 14-acre site which includes the Pallasades shopping centre above the station.

Transport for London

• London taxi fares to increase if fuel prices reach 154p per litreThe TfL Board today announced that if diesel prices hit 154p per litre between now and February 2009, taxi fares in London will go up by 50p per trip to help drivers meet the increased costs of running a taxi.

Aviation Industry

• THE DYNAMIC CHOICE COMPLEMENTING THE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT CHAINShort Sea Shipping is a successful mode of transport in Europe. For instance, in the 1990’s it was the only mode that was able to keep pace with the growth of road transport. It has in fact started to outpace road transport.
• Opus Energy Drives Business Forward With FirstGroup ContraBritain's largest transport operator, FirstGroup plc, has signed an agreement with Opus Energy, a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses. First's 600 UK sites will benefit from Opus Energy's dynamic approach to energy management, which includes access to wholesale energy prices, a cleaner energy supply, and the technology to help keep energy consumption to a minimum
• Shortlist for £200m transport infrastructure fund for new housing announcedFlint announces 36 projects including Swindon pedestrian and cycle bridge, and Colchester park and ride
• MHPA to host BPA annual conferenceThe British Ports Association will hold its annual conference in Milford Haven on 8-9 October in an event hosted by the Milford Haven Port Authority. The event at the recently opened Bluestones activity centre is scheduled to be launched by Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan, followed by a comprehensive update on UK port and transport policy by a speaker from the Department for Transport.
• UK Ports and Rail Steaming ForwardBut UK Government Still Headed Down the Wrong Tracks
• Northwest to add $80 fuel charge to round-trip ticketsNorthwest Airlines says it is adding an $80 fuel charge to round-trip tickets, matching increases added by its competitors.
• Heathrow passengers lose 900 laptops a weekNew research shows 800,000 laptops are lost or stolen each year around the world.
• Do business in LeedsA new Air Southwest flight will fly from Plymouth to Leeds Bradford via Manchester from August 3.

Other News Sources

• New Rosyth ferry crossing deal just days awayA DEAL for a replacement ferry operator to take over from Superfast could be just days away but the Scottish Government wants a daily service reinstated.
• UntitledA public consultation is to be carried out on proposals to develop an industrial link road in Crediton
• Drivers are getting back on their bikesMOTORISTS in Burton and South Derbyshire are ditching their cars for transport of the two-wheeled variety, according to local cycle retailers.
• Fuel duty freeze is only first stepThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) believes that the Government's decision to postpone the planned 2p increase in fuel duty, which was scheduled to take place in October, is a welcome first step.
• July 31: Train put profit before passengersOne morning this week, myself and several other passengers were informed by a member of train staff that this train will no longer be running from December. I cannot believe that such a train, which is filled every day, could not be making a profit.
• National Express extends Dot2Dot Heathrow serviceThe Dot2Dot service offers an innovative, convenient and direct route from London to one of the UK's biggest airports.
• axe falls on Bus servicesWEEKLY bus services linking Market Rasen and Caistor to Louth are being axed at the end of August.
• A quiet, green mini motoA new type of small electric motorcycle, the OSET trials bike offers an environmentally friendly and more socially-acceptable alternative to the miniature petrol-engined motorcycles known as mini motos or pit bikes that have become the scourge of residential areas around Britain.
• Crossrail boss Doug Oakervee kicks off nce.co.uk's new-look audio and video sectionCrossrail chairman Doug Oakervee has today kicked off nce.co.uk's new-look audio and video section by talking exclusively with NCE editor Antony Oliver on what's next for the £16bn mega-project. Click here to watch and listen now!
• TDG profit and turnover riseTDG has reported an increase in profit and turnover for the first six months of 2008, despite being involved in takeover speculation for much of the period.