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

Sunday, 15 May 2011

BBC News

• Why thousands of people went down a big holeThousands of people take the chance to walk through a road tunnel under a Surrey beauty spot before 30,000 vehicles-a-day start using it.

The Guardian

• Philip Hammond to confront rail unions over transport costs Report showing trains in Europe cost 40% less to run will fuel attack on pay and outdated travel perks
• Chris Huhne under new pressure over speeding penalty claimsReports allege energy secretary pressed witness not to discuss claims against himEnergy secretary Chris Huhne is under fresh pressure over claims that he tried to avoid a driving ban as details emerged of a taped phone call during which he allegedly pressed a witness not to discuss the allegations.Last weekend Huhne's estranged wife Vicky Pryce, from whom he separated last year, claimed that the Liberal Democrat cabinet minister
• Historic climate change deal with legal powers agreed by CabinetChris Huhne will announce a long-term programme that will put Britain at the forefront of the battle against climate changeCabinet ministers have agreed a far-reaching, legally binding

The Independent

• Inquiry into ex-Network Rail boss nears end Iain Coucher is expected to be exonerated over serious financial impropriety, but could face flak

The Observer

• Transport minister Philip Hammond delays Virgin Trains' west coast sale Despite announcement of four-strong shortlist, new-look contract for west coast franchise will not now begin until January 2013

The Telegraph

• Network Rail employs flock of sheep to save wild orchids Faced with accusations of extravagance, Network Rail has enlisted the help of a flock of sheep to cut costs.
• Ian Faletto was fired with enthusiasm - and then sacked The stationmaster dismissed by South West Trains seems to have been a model of his kind, says Jenny McCartney.

Daily Express

• Oust pump price profiteersEVER wondered why the price of fuel at the pumps seems to stay up, even when the cost of crude oil goes down? Well, you are not the only one.

Metro

• Network Rail enlists flock of sheep to save rare wild orchidsNetwork Rail has recruited a flock of sheep to help with the upkeep of a 35 hectare field in Great Stukeley, Cambridgeshire.

Sheffield Star

• New rail network ’will lead to delays’ THE new high speed rail network will mean less frequent services and delays to improvements on existing South Yorkshire lines, the Taxpayers’ Alliance campaign group claims.

Carlisle News & Star

• MAKE THE TRAIN MORE APPEALING Cumbria has a proud rail history. Steam trains were once a regular sight across the countryside and Carlisle was second only to York as a centre of national importance, with some 3,000 people working on the railways in the city.

Other Regional Press

• c2c named UK’s top rail line for third month RAIL company c2c is celebrating after being named the best performing train operator in the UK for the third month in a row.
• MP: 'Rail franchise rebid may not bring cheaper fares' SOUTH Devon rail passengers shouldn't expect cheaper fares when the West Country train franchise is secured, according to Bay MP Adrian Sanders.
• Thousands walk through new tunnel Almost 7,000 people have walked through a multimillion pound tunnel, regarded as a feat of engineering, before it opens to motorists this summer.
• Bluetooth messaging used by special constable to pass on travel safety messages BEHAVIOUR on a bus route through Harrow Weald has improved according to a bus driver who doubles as a special constable.
• High-speed link a ’waste of taxpayers money’ claim opposition groups GROUPS opposing a high-speed rail link (HS2) which would pass through Northamptonshire, have branded the proposal “a waste of taxpayers’ money”.
• Yes to HS2: Busting the myths and misinformation of the opposition campaign When the Victorians built the current railway system it required huge amounts of self-belief, vision and bravery - in part, no doubt, to overcome people who were opposed to it. But try now to imagine this country without it.
• New tilting train to ease overcrowding A new 125mph tilting train is set to be introduced to Lancashire’s busiest train line this summer in a bid to ease worsening overcrowding.

Other News Sources

• Campaigners criticise HS2 consultation figures Campaign group Stop HS2 has said that official HS2 consultation documents do not reflect the cost of linking HS2 to Heathrow Airport − said to be at least £7.3bn.