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

Monday, 10 December 2012

BBC News

• London Midland timetable changes tackle driver shortage Changes to train timetables and work patterns have been introduced to reduce cancellations caused by a driver shortage, according to London Midland.
• Largest container ship visits UKThe world's largest container ship arrives in Southampton as part of its first visit to Europe.
• Virgin to vie with BA in ScotlandVirgin Atlantic sets out details of its plans to compete with British Airways on Heathrow links with Scotland.
• Outer London rail orbital opensLondon Overground comes a full circle with passengers now being able to take an orbital route which connects inner London boroughs.
• Tube anniversary Oyster card soldVintage Underground logos form the background of a commemorative Oyster card to mark the 150th anniversary of the Tube service in London.

The Guardian

• The history of London's black cabsAs the classic black Fairway taxis disappear from the streets of London, a newly qualified cabbie recalls the history of the job “ and explains why the Knowledge beats satnav every timeWhen I picked up my first fare in Covent Garden last month, I couldn't even open the passenger doors. I had two gentlemen fresh from dinner in Langley Street, and I was panicking, pressing all the buttons I could find, fumbling with keys. Nonetheless they were delighted when I told them they were my first, and that consequently the ride “ as goes the cabbie tradition “ was free, to wherever they wanted ...
• Virgin Atlantic expands into Scotland as Branson looks to give up controlAirline's move into short-haul industry questioned by IAG boss Willie Walsh, while Virgin chief in talks to sell part of 51% stakeVirgin Atlantic is to start operating flights between Heathrow and Scotland in a deal with Aer Lingus expected to be announced on Monday.
• Unemployed people to get free bus travel in attempt to help them find workUp to 800,000 jobless could benefit from scheme covering 70% of bus routes in BritainFree bus travel is to be offered to unemployed people in an attempt to help them find work under a new scheme announced on Monday by the country's biggest bus companies.About 70% of all bus routes in England, Wales and Scotland will be covered by the initiative, which follows advice from the work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, that jobless people should do just that:

The Herald

• Virgin to operate 18 Scots Heathrow flightsVIRGIN Atlantic will operate 18 flights a day between Heathrow and Scotland when it launches its short-haul network in April.

The Independent

• Unemployed to be given free ride in JanuaryFor one month only, finding a job will be made a little bit easier because of a unique deal struck with Britain's bus operators. Companies that between them operate 70 per cent of the country's bus routes have agreed to allow more than 800,000 jobseekers to travel for free in January as long as they can produce a Jobcentre Plus travel card.Related StoriesStars pay tribute to Patrick Moore, the man who took us into space'She was so caring. We cannot believe it' say family of nurseRefugees 'are forced into destitution'Homeland creator urges MoD to stop shooting live pigsRefugees 'are forced into...

Mail Online

• World's largest container ship at 396m long arrives in Britain on maiden call carrying thousands of Christmas presentsThere was no mistaking who ruled the waves today, as the CMA CGM Marco Polo, the world's largest container ship, pulled into Southampton on its maiden call to Britain today.
• One way to spend the commute! Impromptu Underground concert wins over fellow travellers and becomes a hit on YouTubeA pianist drew whoops and cheers from onlookers with his surprise performance on the Underground last week — and now footage of his song has gone viral.

Network Rail

• New hourly service on East Suffolk lineAbellio train operator Greater Anglia today (Monday December 10) introduced a new hourly service between Ipswich and Lowestoft after work to install a passing loop was completed at Beccles.

Other Regional Press

• On the buses! Major investment sees surge in bus travel – but has it helped or hindered Aylesbury’s traffic problems?Major investment in Aylesbury’s bus routes has brought ’better than ever expected’ results, a transport leader has said.
• ˜Why can™t we revamp our iconic bus station?™The people of Preston have hit back at plans to demolish the city’s iconic bus station.

Railnews

• WEST COAST ’NEEDS HS1 FENCING TO PREVENT DELAYS’FENCING ALONGSIDE the West Coast Main Line between London and Rugby — the busiest mixed-traffic main line in Europe — should be upgraded to High Speed Rail standards to stop trespassers, cable thieves, suicidal people and animals gaining access and causing huge delays to train services.
• WEST COAST ’NEEDS HS1 FENCING TO PREVENT DELAYS’FENCING ALONGSIDE the West Coast Main Line between London and Rugby — the busiest mixed-traffic main line in Europe — should be upgraded to High Speed Rail standards to stop trespassers, cable thieves, suicidal people and animals gaining access and causing huge delays to train services.

Other News Sources

• New London Midland rail timetables aim to end miseryNew train timetables that rail bosses hope will end months of disruptions were today unveiled. London Midland has overhauled services in Staffordshire and a service from Kidderminster will be run by Chiltern Railways.
• Aberdeen City Council warns travellers to prepare for bus strikes Aberdeen City Council have encouraged residents to think ahead and consider alternative methods of travel to buses for the next few weeks.