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

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

BBC News

• City tram-trains trial unveiled Passengers in South Yorkshire could be the first in the UK to use Continental-style tram-trains under plans announced by the Department for Transport (DfT).
• £5m plan for failed bridge bids Companies who put forward unsuccessful bids to build the new Forth crossing could be paid back millions of pounds, it has emerged.
• Many motorists are 'distracted' More than a third of motorists who took part in a survey said they had become seriously distracted when driving.
• Consultation over school bus cuts Controversial plans which could see out-of-county transport for school children cut, will be put out to consultation by Wrexham council. The council's executive board voted six to four in favour of consulting on a policy to provide free transport to the nearest suitable school.

Financial Times

• Train operator aims to set pace in ItalyGiuseppe Sciarrone, chief executive of NTV, says the launch of Europe's first private high-speed rail operation will expand the market and improve the state-run service
• Outlook bleak for airline industryThe International Air Transport Association says industry losses are expected to widen to $11bn in 2009 and to continue in 2010 as fuel prices rise and business travel remains weak
• JAL cuts routes in bid to draw fundsThe Japanese carrier is to slash 6,800 positions and scale back its international network as it seeks to attract the funding it needs to repair its balance sheet

The Guardian

• Boost bus use to cut carbon emissions, groups urge government Public transport groups say 1 billion car journeys could be taken off roads with more bus-friendly initiatives
• Airlines crisis likely to keep fares low Recession, high oil prices and fierce competition will keep fares low for years, says Iata

The Scotsman

• Rail project on track to be under budget, say officials OFFICIALS masterminding Scotland's biggest-ever rail project yesterday confidently predicted the £1.1 billion scheme would be completed under budget – even though it won't be finished for seven years.
• Global airline losses soar towards $11bn HE world's airlines are expected to post losses totalling $11 billion (£6.7bn) this year as weak passenger traffic and cargo demand put pressure on revenue, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said yesterday.

The Telegraph

• Fast rail links: a real blight on the landscape New fast rail links may be green but, says Graham Norwood, home owners will pay the price for them .
• Owners of uninsured cars face new fines under new Government curbsDraconian new powers mean motorists who leave cars uninsured face fines of up to £1000 even if they are locked away in a garage or kept on a driveway.

Times Online

• Air filter system 'could end spread of bugs on flights'A revolutionary new air filter could help reduce the spread of swine flu and other illnesses among passengers on board commercial airline flights, British researchers say.
• Clunkers programme boosts US retail salesRetail sales in the US rose 2.7 per cent in August, the biggest increase in more than three years, boosted by government subsidies for cars and higher petrol prices.
• Uninsured drivers face tighter laws and loss of car Plans to tighten the law on driving without insurance, making it an offence to be the registered keeper of an uninsured vehicle regardless of whether it is being used, are expected to be confirmed by transport ministers today.
• BA cuts costs as temporary crew goBritish Airways has told its temporary cabin crew that their contracts will be terminated at the end of next month as it steps up its cost-cutting drive.

Press Association

• MSPs quizzed over new bridge costs MSPs have demanded more details from ministers over plans to give firms bidding to build the new Forth bridge their tendering costs back if the project does not go ahead.

Network Rail

• ACCESS FOR ALL AT FOREST HILL STATION

Belfast Telegraph

• BMI cuts Belfast flights BMI today announced that it is reducing the number of rotations on its Belfast to London Heathrow route. Related StoriesTidal energy firm wins recognitionAre we finally emerging from the economic crisis?Inflation falls four-year low at 1.6%INM signs £40m print deal with leading papersBangor firm develops scented hair brush

Manchester Evening News

• Manchester square to be made 'traffic free' ST Peter's Square could be made traffic-free - creating the largest public space in Manchester. The council is to hold an international design competition to change the face of the square as part of a massive city-centre revamp.

Metro

• New Tube map erases the ThamesThe River Thames has been removed from the iconic London Tube map in a new redesign.

Wales Online

• Experts think Wales needs a version of London’s own Oyster card to try and improve public transport HE prospect of an “Oyster card” for Wales has edged closer with new technology installed on the nation’s buses. Only people entitled to free bus journeys will be able to use new “smart cards” at present, but it is hoped that by 2014 only one card will be needed to travel on all bus and train services in Wales.

Peterborough Telegraph

• EasyJet challenges council over airportThe head of easyJet has called on Luton Borough Council to take responsibility for helping to make the city's airport more competitive.

The Shields Gazette

• A19 commuters face months of chaosTHOUSANDS of drivers are set to face months of road misery with the closure of one of the A19's busiest junctions.

Wall Street Journal

• Alstom Secures EUR100M Of Tram Contracts In France he French power and transport engineering company, Tuesday said it had been selected by the French urban areas of Brest and Dijon to supply 52 trams for a total of more than EUR100 million.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Sea freight firms 'looking to beat recession' Smaller sea freight firms in the UK are trying a number of methods in order to fight off the recession.According to International Freighting weekly, many are taking on new staff, trying to secure new business or expanding into new areas of the market.A number of freight companies told the news source that they are stepping up their efforts in spite of the economic climate, with director of Seaport Freight Services noting that his company is "going for the attack" rather than sitting back.He explained that, while the firm has not lost any clients, it has seen a reduction in th...

Railnews

• News: Fathers of the railway honoured after 150 years SEPTEMBER 15, 2009, marks the 150th anniversary of the death of Isambard Kingdom Brunel - the genius engineer responsible for building the Great Western Railway ... and much more. A month later, on 12 October, it will be 150th anniversary of the death of another engineering genius, Robert Stephenson, who built the London and Birmingham Railway - the first main line railway to reach London - and much more, too. Special events are planned to mark these anniversaries.

Transport for London

• Saddle up for Cycle Fridays this week and you may end up on the winners' podium at the Tour of BritainTake part in a Cycle Friday ride on 18 September and get entered into a draw to win a fantastic prize at Saturday's Tour of Britain final stage in London.
• TfL campaign urges drivers to 'give motorcyclists a second thought' and cut road deathsAs riders return to work, TfL warns road users of optical effect that can lead to collisions with motorcyclists.

Other News Sources

• Use public transport, urges Murphy LESS than a third of people in Northern Ireland are using public transport regularly, the minister in charge of it revealed yesterday. More needs to be done to persuade people from their cars and onto buses and trains, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy added
• Electric cars for German consumersRenault and RWE have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing electric cars as a viable mode of transport for German consumers.
• Opposition gathers to US 100% scanning proposalThe rest of the world retains grave concerns about US plans to have 100% scanning of inbound containers before they leave their country of origin - and the World Customs Organisation wants to explore alternatives.
• Lines slash capacity, hike ratesJAPANESE lines MOL and NYK have announced cuts in capacity and hike in box rates on different routes.