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

Sunday, 01 November 2009

BBC News

• Air tax increase comes into forceThe first of two rises in UK airport departure tax has come into effect, adding up to £30 to the cost of flying.

Times Online

• National Express urged to reconsider Stagecoach bidThe board of National Express was under growing pressure last night to go back into takeover talks with Stagecoach after the beleaguered transport group™s largest investor publicly berated it for walking away.

Mail Online

• Happy Birthday M1. Britain's first full length motorway still going strong after 50 years

ATOC

• Reform of rail franchises needed to do more for passengers and taxpayersA new report by ATOC calls for reform of the franchising system to benefit passengers and taxpayers
• THE CASE FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL IS STRONG SAYS ATOCThe case for high speed rail is not based on any one single issue , but rather on what is best for both Britain™s economy and the environment, while delivering investment and jobs across the country. Our major cities will be brought closer together, while providing a cleaner, greener alternative to car and air travel which will encourage more people to take the train.

Journal Live

• Calls to reverse air passenger duty as tickets prices soarAIR tickets will soar in price from today as the Government introduces the first phase of its aviation tax hikes.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• Transport body backs car-sharing lane plansNorth-east transport chiefs gave their backing yesterday to controversial plans for a car-sharing lane to be introduced on one of the busiest roads into Aberdeen.

Peterborough Telegraph

• Bid to boost car sharingNorfolk County Council has launched a scheme that aims to encourage car sharing in the build-up to Christmas.

New Scientist

• Clever 'chopped' cars promise cheap electric commutingFit existing cars with electric motors and software that understands commuters' driving patterns, and you could replace gas guzzlers for most journeys

Railnews

• News: ATOC calls for longer franchises and less DFT 'micro-management' of railways The Government should back away from fettering the railways with micro-management, according to the Association of Train Operating Companies, which has branded the present level of Department for Transport involvement with detail as 'inappropriate'.

Other News Sources

• Scrapping boom slashes pricesTHE GLOBAL scrapping boom has drastically cut the prices of condemned ships, according to a leading cash buyer.
• High Speed 1 to be regulatedThe Office of Rail Regulation has confirmed that the UK™s only high speed line - High Speed 1 - is to be regulated .
• UPS to boost its electric vehicle fleetParcel giant UPS is planning to add to the six Modec electric vehicles already in operation with its UK fleet as it attempts to reduce its carbon footprint, despite the higher cost of the battery-powered fleet.
• Education initiative gives students a taste of work at the airportSchoolchildren are experiencing working life at Stansted Airport as part of an £85,000 BAA community education and employment initiative.