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

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

BBC News

• Airlines 'to make bigger losses'Airlines will make losses of $4.7bn (£3.2bn) in 2009, the industry body says, far more than its forecast just three months ago.

Financial Times

• Rail strike to hit London routesRail workers on two of London's busiest commuter routes plan to strike on Monday after employers
• Heathrow air links pledgeThe importance of air links to Heathrow for England's regional economies will form part of a government review of the economic impact of air travel regulation, Jim...
• Airline industry in 'intensive care'Industry losses this year are expected to be nearly double those forecast in December, as carriers are hit by steeply falling demand from premium passengers and record falls in cargo traffic

The Guardian

• Nano and the rise of eco-imperialismWestern environmentalists criticising the launch of India's 'People's Car' speak from privilege, not principle

The Scotsman

• Bus pram ban: 'Positive move could make a huge difference'LOTHIAN Buses' decision to consider introducing vehicles with space dedicated for prams will be welcomed in homes across the Capital.

Times Online

• Business travellers embrace high-speed railMore and more business travellers say that a major factor in their choice of transport is not just speed but a journey that gets them to their destination feeling ready to charm and finesse clients rather than bite off their heads.
• The crunch has left Edinburgh full of holesBanking meltdown, a delayed tram project, abandoned developments - the Scottish capital is way out of its comfort zone
• Tata holds lottery for right to buy £1,400 Nano It was meant to be the world’s cheapest, and therefore most accessible, most democratic car, but it hasn’t worked out like that. The Nano is already on the way to becoming one of the most sought-after, fought-over cars of the year and, when it hits the showrooms (after a fashion), you won’t even be able to walk in and buy one. You will have to get a lottery ticket first.

Mail Online

• Full speed ahead: Government supports plans for 225mph trains connecting London and the NorthPlans for a new high speed train service between London and the North - with double-decker trains travelling at 225 mph - are set to get a boost from the Government and the Conservative opposition.

Transport Briefing

• Reading Green Park station lease cleared by ORRConstruction of a new station at Reading Green Park is to get underway after the Office of Rail Regulation approved Network Rail's request to lease land for the site to station developer John Laing.
• Stourbridge train returns as People Mover delayedLondon Midland has reintroduced trains on the Stourbridge Town to Stourbridge Junction line following delays bringing a lightweight rail car from Parry People Movers into service.

Liverpool Echo

• Liverpool John Lennon airport targets Heathrow link over long termLIVERPOOL John Lennon airport is still hoping to clinch a London link.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• ˜Shocking™ accidents toll leaves 500 dead Shocking new figures have revealed that hundreds of people died and thousands were seriously injured in road traffic accidents across the north and north-east in just five years.

The York Press

• Rail minister to meet York-Beverley campaigners CAMPAIGNERS calling for the reopening of a rail link between Hull and York, via Beverley, will meet the Government™s rail minister next month.

Wales Online

• Decision on an electric rail route ’not yet taken’A DECISION on whether to electrify the Great Western railway all the way to Swansea has not yet been taken, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones assured MPs yesterday.

Washington Post

• GM begins white-collar layoffs with 160 pink slips DETROIT -- Dreaded white-collar job cuts at General Motors Corp. started Tuesday as the wounded automaker began to deliver on promises to the government to shrink its work force so it can be profitable at lower sales levels.

Aviation Industry

• Aviation Fuel Particle DetectionParticle detection is key to safe aviation fuel. Parker Hannifin discuss new methods for the detection of aviation fuel contamination.
• Banking crisis makes airline failures more likelyThe world banking crisis is making the risk of a major airline failure more likely because carriers will not be able to access funding for a rescue if they fall into trouble.

Other News Sources

• Signalling options for east-west rail linkDiscussions are underway to discuss the best options for linking Bedford and Sandy by rail. The East West Rail Consortium is taking another look at the route options for the link between Bedford and Cambridge.
• Wrexham MP concerned over north east Wales rail servicesWREXHAM MP Ian Lucas was due to raise concerns over rail services for the town in a meeting with Transport Minister Lord Adonis today. Mr Lucas will be part of a cross-party group of MPs meeting with the Minister to discuss issues surrounding the Wrexham and Shropshire railway service, which provides a direct service linking Wrexham to London.
• Ticket machines will lead the way at St Albans Abbey stationMORE than £200,000 of investment has been pumped into improvements at St Albans Abbey Station, which was re-launched today. The new and improved station now boasts a new ticket vending machine, CCTV, new information display signs and a newly built waiting shelter.
• Centro orders London Midland to improve rail services in BirminghamTRAIN operator London Midland has had its knuckles rapped over rail services in Birmingham. The company that runs a range of local rail services as well as direct trains from New Street to London Euston has been told to bring its performance up to ’acceptable standards’.