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

Monday, 03 May 2010

BBC News

• Passengers in Gateshead checked by knife arch A knife detection arch has been installed at a major Tyneside public transport hub in an effort to reduce violent crime.
• High-speed rail concerns for Lichfield Plans for a new high-speed rail line which could pass through part of Lichfield, have divided the town's election candidates.
• Buses destroyed in depot attackArsonists destroy four buses in a petrol bomb attack at a Translink depot in Whiteabbey, County Antrim.
• Ash ban 'might have ended sooner'The boss of the Civil Aviation Authority tells the BBC why the volcano flight ban last so long.

Financial Times

• GB Railfreight attracts interest The UK's second-largest rail freight operator, France's national railway and the Channel tunnel operator have all emerged as potential bidders for one of the UK's largest rail freight companies, according to people in the industry.
• Airports decision 'perverse'A court ruling that would allow BAA to maintain much of its airports near-monopoly is
• BA chief baffled by union line on payThe Unite union's refusal to recommend that its members back British Airways' latest offer to end the cabin crew dispute is 'bizarre', says Willie Walsh
• Air NZ and Virgin Blue propose allianceThe two airlines are seeking regulator approval for a trans-Tasman tie-up that would involve extensive sharing of services as they look to strengthen their positions in a fiercely-contested market
• Buffett appears to win train buy betIn the first quarter, BNSF helped Berkshire to double earnings in its regulated businesses to $555m, a unit that also includes it utilities holdings
• D Bahn in war of words over train reliabilityA war of words breaks out between Deutsche Bahn and Siemens, with DB revealing its frustrations at the reliability of its latest model of high-speed train and Siemens criticising the 'antiquated' relationship between the two companies

The Guardian

• St Pancras Chambers: no place like homeAfter a £200m makeover, London's St Pancras Chambers are open for business. Jonathan Glancey talks to one man who has moved into Britain's most exciting address'Just look at the carvings,

The Herald

• FirstGroup costs taxpayer £80m more than its rivals to run trains Transport giant FirstGroup won a franchise to operate passenger trains in Scotland despite its bid costing the taxpayer £80 million more than those of two rival bidders, information disclosed under Freedom of Information legislation has revealed.

The Telegraph

• Rail passengers face service cuts threat. Rail passengers could face overcrowding and reduced services under plans drawn up by the Government, campaigners have said.

Times Online

• United Airlines to confirm Continental buyoutUnited Airlines is expected to confirm the $3 billion acquisition of Continental Airlines today, in a deal that will create the world's largest carrier.$

Birmingham Post

• Co-operative train operator planning route from Birmingham to South and West A mutually-owned train operator run by passengers, employees and other investors has revealed plans to open up a route connecting Birmingham to the West Country and the South Coast.

The York Press

• Call for City of York Council to back East Coast Main Line fast rail link COUNCIL chiefs in York are to be urged to back a high-speed rail link despite the chances of a connection with the city being œremote.
• York cycle plan sparks concern from blind lobbyBlind campaigners are unhappy over plans to allow cycling in York's pedestrianised areas.

Bucks Free Press

• Ladies only transport service launched in Wycombe A WOMAN who felt unsafe using taxis in High Wycombe has set up her own community transport for ladies only.

Carlisle News & Star

• £½M TO INCREASE RAIL PASSENGERS’ COMFORT A £550,000 revamp of Carlisle’s Citadel station should stop passengers feeling the chill as they wait for their trains.

Other Regional Press

• Have your say on road safety plan PLANS for a £65,000 scheme to improve safety near a Cwmbran school have been drawn up.

Other News Sources

• Carlisle candidate attacked on railway views Transport union RMT leader Bob Crow condemned Carlisle candidate Mike Boaden yesterday after the Labour member publicly backed rail privatisation.
• New train firm is delighted to be based in swanky city-centre offices in Bradford A train company has described its new base in Bradford city centre as the “swankiest” train crew office in the whole country.
• South West Trains fit energy saving device South West Trains is to spend £2.2m fitting 200 trains with a new energy-saving system.
• Bus smartcards could be rolled out Swipecard technology is set to be rolled out on 2,500 West Midlands buses by the end of the year. The Smartcard system is due to start being introduced from the end of May.
• Digger moves in to demolish bus station Wolverhampton City Councillor Paddy Bradley, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said today: “This is the start of the regeneration of our city as we know it.