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

Monday, 26 March 2012

BBC News

• Low carbon emission buses set for Essex roads A fleet of low carbon emission buses are set to be rolled out on to roads in Essex.
• Paper review: Third Heathrow runway under consideration A potential expansion of Heathrow airport makes headlines in the press.
• Residents respond to RAF Northolt airport 'expansion' reports [video]Local residents and MPs have responded to reports in the national press that RAF Northolt, in north west London could be expanded to take some of the pressure off Heathrow.
• Cash boost to improve Leicester bus services A scheme to improve bus services and reduce congestion on a route into Leicester has been given a cash boost.
• Spanish low-cost airline launchedSpain's Iberia launches a new entry in Europe's competitive market for low-cost airlines.

Financial Times

• Airlines struggle to secure jet financingAlmost one in four airlines fear they will not secure financing to buy aircraft this year, a survey by Ascend, the aviation consultancy, revealed
• IAG weighs its north Atlantic optionsThe owner of British Airways is close to appointing an adviser to help safeguard its joint venture with American Airlines, which is in doubt
• Qantas in Hong Kong budget airline dealThe tie-up with China Eastern Airlines to launch a carrier next year marks a landmark deal for foreign participation in the Chinese aviation industry
• Osborne to revisit airport runway debateChancellor says ministers may have to review pledge not to build more landing space at existing hubs as business urges solution to capacity issue
• UK-Europe high-speed rail freight planEuro Carex project launch expected later this decade to offer substitute service for some short-haul European air freight flights

The Guardian

• Tories may be on the final approach to a U-turn on Heathrow third runway Vote blue to go green, the Tories said. But lobbyists for a third runway at Heathrow are now hoping for a policy shift
• Heathrow expansion an environmental disaster, warns Boris Johnson London mayor says third runway will not be built as long as he is in office, but is open to more aviation capacity for the capital

The Herald

• Deal puts £300m Borders railway on trackPLANS for a £300 million railway linking the Borders to Edinburgh have had a major boost after a deal was struck with a contractor to build the line.

The Independent

• Septuagenarian selected to chair 20-year HS2 project The Government has shocked the rail industry by selecting a septuagenarian to chair High Speed Two (HS2), the much-criticised £32bn megaproject that will not be completed until 2033.

The Scotsman

• Greens want powerful voice for bus users A MAJOR campaign to improve the quality of bus services in Scotland’s biggest city is launched today.

The Telegraph

• Sir Richard Branson: UK must boost aviation capacity or watch headlong flight of lost trade In the Budget, the Chancellor said the Government will conduct a review of the UK's aviation policy and it has been suggested it will examine the chronic lack of capacity at our airports in the South East of England.
• Boris Johnson: Heathrow third runway will not be built while I'm mayor Boris Johnson has pledged a third runway at Heathrow "will not be built" while he is Mayor of London.
• Boris Johnson to challenge unions with driver-less trainsNew driver-less Tube trains will lead to cheaper tickets and challenge the power of “hardline union bosses” , Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, will say today.

Press Association

• I won't allow third runway: Boris Boris Johnson has insisted he will not allow a third runway to be built at Heathrow Airport, amid speculation that senior Tories want to revisit the idea.

Daily Express

• British Airways braces for commercial dogfightBRITISH Airways finds itself locked in two commercial dogfights this week as it seeks to protect its alliance with American Airlines while also fighting for control of BMI.

Mail Online

• Be polite and stand up for your elders or lose free travel, London Mayor Boris Johnson tells youngLondon Mayor Boris Johnson will unveil plans today to make youngsters sign a ‘courtesy pledge’ to promise to behave in a respectful manner when travelling in the capital.

Manchester Evening News

• Delayed traffic ban at entrance to Deansgate takes effect as part of new pedestrian zone outside Manchester CathedralA traffic ban on one of Manchester's busiest stretches of road finally came into force today and faces its first real test tomorrow. The 300-yard long length of road outside Manchester Cathedral was blocked off to drivers on Sunday.

Sheffield Star

• Buses boost thanks to £5 million of new fundingBUS bosses in South Yorkshire say they are planning a host of improvements after receiving a cash boost from the Government of nearly £5 million.

Blackpool Gazette

• £1m to help town buses run on timeBLACKPOOL has secured more than £1m to speed up bus services in the town.

Bucks Free Press

• Exhibition detailing A40 bus lane changes TRANSPORT boss will unveil proposed changes to the High Wycombe bus lane during a public exhibition next week.

Carlisle News & Star

• VIRGIN TRAINS CREATING ’CULTURE OF FEAR’ IN CUMBRIA, CLAIMS RAIL UNIONVirgin Trains has created a “culture of fear” among staff at railway stations in Cumbria, the RMT union claims.

Peterborough Telegraph

• Peterborough roads cash plea given short shrift by GovernmentAn urgent plea for more than £6 million to repair Peterborough’s roads was made to the Government on Friday (23 March) – and immediately ran into trouble.

Western Daily Press

• North Devon MP's anger at 'nonsense' bid to cut rail stopsAn MP has branded an idea to speed up rail links to London by reducing services at some stations as "nonsense". North Devon MP Nick Harvey has spoken out against plans backed by cross-party councillors and business leaders in Plymouth, which call for a £10 million investment in the rail line to yield rewards of £94 million a year in benefits to the economy.

Other Regional Press

• District council meets with those in path of HS2 link PEOPLE affected by HS2 met with South Northants Council on Monday to find out how the council will be supporting them.
• District council meets with those in path of HS2 link PEOPLE affected by HS2 met with South Northants Council on Monday to find out how the council will be supporting them.
• £3.5m boost for buses Bus bosses in Brighton and Hove have been given £3.5 million to improve links and buy new hybrid vehicles.
• UK & World News: Army on standby for tanker strikeThe threat of a strike by fuel tanker drivers in a dispute over terms and conditions and safety standards is set to come a step closer when the result of an industrial action ballot is announced.
• Penistone Line study calls for half-hourly serviceA STUDY proposing half-hourly services on the Huddersfield-Penistone-Sheffield rail line has been welcomed by a passenger group.
• ˜Tough decision™ sees bus fares set to rise by five per centBus fares are set to rise by five per cent in the county with companies blaming rising costs and a hike in fuel tax for the increase.

Bus and Coach.com

• £100million boost for England™s busesAwards to support 439 low-carbon buses and details of the Better Bus Areas fund winners combine to see the government spending just over £100million to support buses, £31million more than originally announced.

Green Miscellany

• Boil water with your bicycle bottle Cycle campers can choose from an ever-increasing number of imaginative and lightweight gadgets designed to make their trips more civilised. read more

Other News Sources

• New London airport considered on Thames Estuary LONDON – Fifty miles southeast of this city's glittering skyscrapers lies a quiet patch of sea that looks like any other. Only container ships disturb its peace, and the distant coast is a sleepy stretch of marsh and farm fields.
• British government considering third runway at Heathrow, despite election promise BRITAIN'S government is reportedly looking at building a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport, despite having previously ruled out the move.