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

Monday, 02 February 2009

Financial Times

• Doubts over National Express franchiseNational Express, one of the biggest rail operators, may be forced to renegotiate or hand back its £1.4bn East Coast franchise as the slowdown in passenger growth...
• STX Europe denies Korea moveEurope's largest shipbuilder says it will keep making its high-value cruise ships in its European yards, in spite of speculation that its new owner might move...
• DryShips faces fresh debt blowThe New York-listed shipowner admits that it is likely to retain the liability for a $650m debt accumulated to build an offshore oil-drilling business that it now wants to spin off
• US airlines face a surge in labour costsMore than 20 carriers have either begun negotiations or are expected to start talks this year with their pilots “ their highest paid group of employees

The Guardian

• Transport hit as UK wakes to heaviest snow in decadesThe heaviest snow for two decades moved into Britain on a freezing easterly wind last night after gathering strength over the North Sea. Falls of up to 10cm (4in) are predicted initially on the south-east coast and inland as far as London before the storms head north.The Met Office said it was classifying today's expected snowfall as an
• Rail firms may have to cut inflation-linked fares by 1%Rail fares could be slashed next year, according to analysts, as the recession brings a surprise fillip to commuters but financial pain for train operators.
• Downturn is shunting railway industry towards bail-outA looming passenger and fare revenue downturn could force the government to bail out the rail industry or rewrite spending plans for the next five years, experts have warned.

The Scotsman

• Airports shut and trains halted after snow storms sweep BritainHEAVY snow caused chaos across Britain last night as some airports were forced to close.

The Telegraph

• David Blunkett says councils should lobby for American yellow school buses Local councils are being urged to lobby Government to begin introducing USstyle yellow school buses in Britain.

Times Online

• Too many trains arrive on time, rail boss complainsOf the many reasons to complain about the railways, being too punctual is not normally one. Yet a rail boss is complaining that his company stands to lose money because too many trains arrive on time.

Reuters News

• Snow halts London bus servicesHeavy snow forced London's bus operators to halt all bus services on Monday morning, Transport for London said, while the operators of Gatwick airport said flights could be delayed or cancelled.

The Mirror

• Runaways danger' on the railwayAt least 14 trucks and two locomotives have become dangerous rail "runaways".

Network Rail

• LORD PENDRY OPENS NEW STATION BUFFET BAR EXTENSION

The York Press

• Depot brushes up on eco values COUNCILLOR Anne Reid checks out work at York™s EcoDepot, which has won an environmental accolade, as driver Martin Potter hoses down his mini road sweeper.

Yorkshire Evening Post

• New speed cameras in bid to reduce road casualtiesFive new speed cameras will be installed in Wakefield and Kirklees, which safety campaigners hope will save lives.
• Leeds commuters warned over heavy snow SEND YOUR PHOTOSHeavy snow has caused travel chaos as bus services were suspended, trains were cancelled and delayed, and some airport runways temporarily closed.
• After half a century, a new steam train goes into serviceIT WAS a moment many thought would never happen, as a world-renowned A1 steam locomotive took to Britain's railways in the 21st century.

Peterborough Telegraph

• Council freezes car parking chargesCar parking charges in Stowmarket are to be frozen for the coming year in a bid to encourage residents to shop local and support independent traders.

Reading Evening Post

• Congestion charge talks: What next?Transport talks between Reading and West Berkshire councils may have revealed the impact of the future of congestion charging around the town.

The Shields Gazette

• New boss will drive transport plans forwardNEXUS has appointed a new head of strategic planning to drive forward plans to modernise the region's public transport network.

New Scientist

• US states may regain control of vehicle emissionsPresident Obama has ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider Bush's policy of banning states from implementing their own standards for car emissions

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• European commission adopts new maritime transport action planThe European commission has announced the adoption of a new action plan that is intended to create a maritime transport area across the European Union (EU) without barriers.Under the plans, a series of legislative measures would be introduced aimed at simplifying administrative processes and reduce the burden on shipping companies.European commission vice president Antonio Tajani explained that the body now believes that the "necessary conditions for setting up a barrier-free maritime transport area are now in place and that relevant measures may be introduced in a staggered fashion b...

Aviation Industry

• In Europe, trains are the goYou know the story: Long commute to an airport several hours ahead of your flight; long lines for check-in, ditto for security checks. More lines in the departures lounges.

Other News Sources

• Airports shut and trains halted after snow storms sweep BritainGatwick Airport and London City Airport were both shut for part of the evening while their runways were de-iced. Heavy snow forced Stansted Airport to close its runway at 10:30pm.A total of 23 flights...
• Kill your speed or 'live with it'The road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick launched a £3.2 million campaign today highlighting the psychological effect of killing someone on the road.
• Set in trainABB has announced that it has won orders worth around $80m from Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Rail for traction and onboard power equipment.
• Highways Agency prepared for blizzardsThe Highways Agency said today it was well prepared for Monday's anticipated snowstorms with its 500-strong fleet of gritters on standby.
• Rail users plead for longer trainsTrain users in the district would prefer longer trains stopping at more places, according to a survey.