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

Wednesday, 09 January 2013

BBC News

• Business concern over rail pricesBusinesses in Worcestershire say they have concerns over the cost of train fares as Network Rail confirms plans to increase services.
• New road policing unit unveiledA Scotland-wide road policing unit is to form part of the single police service when it comes into force in April.
• 'International' title for airportAberdeen Airport is rebranding itself as Aberdeen International to help a drive to expand its roster of destinations.
• Rail firm apologises for closureNorthern Rail apologises to commuters left stranded when Rochdale station was not opened because of staff sickness.
• VIDEO: Increase in London train seatsNetwork Rail has announced plans for 20% more seats on trains going into London during the morning rush period.
• VIDEO: In praise of the silver stairwayAs the Tube celebrates 150 years of service much of its success is owed to the humble escalator.
• The legacy left by Tube's navviesConstructing techniques for the future
• Network Rail unveils £37.5bn planA £37.5bn plan to develop the UK's railway network over a five-year period is announced by Network Rail, including more capacity and better reliability.
• Boeing Dreamliner catches fireJapan Airlines says that a fire broke out on one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners shortly after it landed in Boston following a flight from Tokyo.
• Virgin Atlantic unveils new bossVirgin Atlantic announces that American Airlines executive Craig Kreeger will be its next chief executive.

Financial Times

• Network Rail outlines investment plansNetwork Rail has priced running and improving the network from 2014 to 2019, a cost to be funded from above-inflation fare rises, subsidies and debt
• Dreamliner fuel leak hits Boeing sharesShares in the aircraft maker fell after a 787 Dreamliner made by the US company was forced to abandon its planned flight from Boston to Tokyo
• Virgin Atlantic taps American for chiefFirst task for former American Airlines executive Craig Kreeger is to finalise Virgin™s planned joint venture with Delta on its core transatlantic route

The Guardian

• Public transport gets smartIntelligent travel systems such as 'pay-and-wave' technology could help solve traffic congestion and reduce council budgets – so why are many local authorities unaware of the benefits?
• Rail passengers warned of further fare rises as £37.5bn upgrade unveiledNetwork Rail's plan for extra 170,000 commuter seats by end of decade based on annual fare rises staying 1% above inflationRail passengers have been warned they face at least six more years of above-inflation fare rises “ potentially adding more than £1,000 to the cost of some annual season tickets by 2019.
• London Underground at 150 - a birthday journeyTo celebrate the London underground's 150th birthday, Stephen Moss takes a journey along the Central line “ the longest, busiest, reddest tube line of them allTwenty years ago there would have been only one possible headline for this odyssey along the entire length of the Central line “
• Boeing Dreamliner 787 fire and fuel leak add to safety concernsBattery in one plane explodes, followed by fuel leak in another, both at Boston airport and owned by Japan AirlinesTwo Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes have been the subject of safety scares within two days at Boston airport in the US, adding to concerns about the aircraft.On Monday an electrical fire erupted on one of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners operated by Japan Airlines at Boston Logan international airport. Authorities said a battery in the auxiliary power unit aboard the plane jet had suffered

The Herald

• Cross-border train speed to be improved in £4bn plansA NOTORIOUSLY tight railway junction that forces high-speed, cross-border trains to slow to just 15mph is to be straightened as part of a £4 billion investment in Scotland's railways.

The Independent

• Train punctuality falls to lowest level in two years, as Network Rail admits its trains-on-time target won't be met until the end of the DECADE Rail punctuality fell to its lowest level in two years last month, new figures show, as the company in charge of running the network admitted it would not meet its trains-on-time target until the end of the decade.Related StoriesSecond inquest confirms that death of Amy Winehouse was caused by alcoholSub-zero: Temperatures set to drop as low as -15C next week with cold weather front lasting until FebruaryFare rises will continue until 2019 to fund £37bn rail investmentVince Cable steps in to protect pub landlords from sharp practice by large pub companiesBritain and US fear Syrian chemical we...
• Toy train company who wrote to Department for Transport offering to run the West Coast Mainline receive reply from private secretaryThe traditional civil servant, with his bowler hat and rolled umbrella, might not have seen the joke.

The Telegraph

• Minister admits UK transport infrastructure is 'poor' but pledges more money to road and rail projects A Coalition minister today admitted that Britain's transport network is "poor" as he pledged to spend more on infrastructure over this Parliament than in the 13 years under Labour.
• Simon Burns: I didn't mean to snub hard-pressed rail travellersThe rail minister Simon Burns has insisted he did not mean to snub
• Councils rake in record profits from parkingCouncils in England have raked in record profits from parking with one town hall boosting its income by more than 50 per cent in a year, official figures have shown.
• Commuters face six years of over-inflation fare risesRail passengers face the threat of six years of above inflation fare rises to pay for the biggest investment in the industry since Victorian times - but one in ten trains will still be late.
• Royal Mail stamps mark the 150th anniversary of the London UndergroundRoyal Mail stamps mark London Underground's 150th anniversary.

Mail Online

• Construction of the Tube: Fascinating 19th Century images celebrate 150th anniversary of the London UndergroundArchive images from British Pathe show the demolition of houses and destruction of neighbourhoods to make way for the tracks of the world's first underground railway.

The Mirror

• Going down the Tube: Ten of the funniest London Underground viral videos To mark 150 years of the London Underground, we've picked out ten video clips that show commuting doesn't have to be dull         

ATOC

• Rail industry strategic plan published Commenting on the rail industry's strategic plan, Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies,...

Network Rail

• Network Rail sets out plans for growing the railway in WalesNetwork Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in Welsh railway infrastructure since the Victorian era. Its plans will reduce costs and deliver more passengers on time than ever before “ but the company also warned that tough choices need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.
• Network Rail sets out plans for bigger, better railway across the West of EnglandNetwork Rail today committed to continue the biggest investment in the West of England's railway since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before - but also warned that tough choices need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.
• Network Rail sets out response to challenges of Scotland's growing railwayNetwork Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before “ but also warned that tough choices need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges and respond to ever rising demand from passengers.
• Network Rail sets out response to challenges of Britain™s growing railwayNetwork Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before “ but also warned that tough choices need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges and respond to ever rising demand from passengers.
• Network Rail sets out plans for a better railway in the south east of EnglandNetwork Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before “ but also warned that tough decisions need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.
• Network Rail sets out plans for a better railway in south and south west EnglandNetwork Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before “ but also warned that tough decisions need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.
• Rail Delivery Group: Industry™s Strategic Business Plans bring the rail industry together in demonstrating a vision for Britain™s railwaysThe Industry Strategic Business Plans (ISBP) published today brings the rail industry together in setting out a vison for the future of Britain™s railways. Under the leadership of the Rail Delivery Group the ISBPs set out how the industry will increase rail™s contribution to Great Britain™s economic, social and environmental welfare.

Belfast Telegraph

• New vehicle sales flat as motorists feel pinchNorthern Ireland's motorists continue to feel the pinch of the economic downturn with the 'flat' new car market reflecting current consumer confidence levels, according to an economist.Related StoriesGoogle chief criticised over trade delegationCivic Trust hails listed building at Queen'sMoney key for women on corporate ladderEmployers' Forum to help city's unemployedFreeze business rates to aid trade, councils told
• Family ride high with cycle deal A family-run packaging firm from Londonderry is celebrating a £3m contract with cycling accessories business Chain Reaction Cycles. Related StoriesGoogle chief criticised over trade delegationCivic Trust hails listed building at Queen'sMoney key for women on corporate ladderEmployers' Forum to help city's unemployedFreeze business rates to aid trade, councils told

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Rural bus services set to be cut in ConwyRURAL communities are to see their bus services cut after a reduction in funding caused council bosses to re-write their timetables.

Derby Telegraph

• Siemens delay 'will cause rail fare rises and overcrowding'A UNION has claimed that rail-users will face years of fare increases and "chronic" overcrowding on the UK network because of delays to a major contract, on which Derby train-maker Bombardier missed out.
• RJohnson_dt commented Network Rail submits major rail plans for DerbyArticle

Journal Live

• Northumberland bus axe plan to be reviewed by councilCONTROVERSIAL plans to axe a cherished bus route through Northumberland are to be put on hold.

Liverpool Post

• John Lennon Airport appoint new chief executive Matthew ThomasTHE owners of Liverpool John Lennon Airport have appointed Matthew Thomas as the new new chief executive.

London Evening Standard

• Stunning pictures show progress of £15bn Crossrail projectConstruction of the first section of tunnels for the £15bn Crossrail project will be finished by the end of this year, it was announced today.
• Labour to force vote on rail faresLabour will force a Commons vote on proposals for super-peak train fares in a bid to derail Government plans.
• Londoners celebrate Tube milestoneLondon Underground turns 150 today.

Manchester Evening News

• Rail passengers could travel direct to London from Rochdale, Eccles, Manchester Victoria and Audenshaw under new plansTrain group Alliance Rail Holdings has asked the rail regulator to allow it to run services along the existing West Coast Main Line. Passengers travelling to the stations from London Euston would no longer have to change at Manchester Piccadilly after 2016.
• Rail bosses to invest £1bn in north west as region's commuters put at heart of plansNetwork Rail has set out proposals to lay new track and electrify rail lines in their new five year investment strategy.

Metro

• 150th anniversary of London Underground marked with new stampsThe London Underground, a ˜hidden treasure™ that™s served London for 150 years, is being celebrated on a set of stamps.

Northern Echo

• Network Rail aims to clear East Coast rail bottlenecks NETWORK Rail (NR) has set out what it called the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era including £240m to clear bottlenecks on the East Coast Mainline.

Sheffield Star

• Historic Sheffield rail station sign auctionedEnthusiasts have a chance to buy a small piece of Sheffield’s railway history – when a sign for the old Attercliffe Road station goes under the hammer.

The York Press

• Flying Scotsman ˜facing extra £½m repair bill™ THE National Railway Museum has reiterated its commitment to restoring Flying Scotsman following claims et another major flaw has been discovered in the iconic loco.
• Free bus travel offered to job seekers JOB seekers in York are being offered free bus travel in a scheme aimed at helping the long-term unemployed get back to work.

Wales Online

• Cardiff Airport: First Minister clashes with opposition over buy-out dealFirst Minister Carwyn Jones used the first Assembly session of the year to defend the decision to buy Cardiff Airport – saying it showed he was “standing up for business” in Wales.
• Near misses and system failures recorded by pilots in Welsh skiesPilots flying in Welsh airspace have documented a catalogue of safety scares in the skies, including blinding laser attacks, emergency distress signals and near misses.

Bucks Free Press

• MP alarmed at HS2 compensation scheme figures MORE than two thirds of homeowners who tried to sell their homes because they are affected by the planned route of the HS2 line failed to receive a single offer, according to an 'alarmed' MP.

Crewe Chronicle

• UK & World News: Londoners celebrate Tube milestoneLondon Underground turns 150 today.

Northants Evening Telegraph

• Time to renew your bus passWith thousands of concessionary bus passes due to expire in March, Northamptonshire County Council is reminding passengers to renew their pass soon.
• Faster trains at county stations under electrification plansNetwork Rail has announced plans to spend more than £500m electrifying the Midland Mainline, which runs through Kettering and Wellingborough.

Plymouth Herald

• Head of Toronto transport system appointed to Plymouth Airport campaign boardTHE head of one of North America's biggest transport systems has been appointed to the board of the company fighting to reopen Plymouth's airport – saying the facility is vital to the future of the city.

Other Regional Press

• Passengers want better train servicesPassengers are crying out for more space on trains and say the poor state of carriages shows a ’lack of respect’ from rail bosses, a watchdog has found.
• £26m injection to move stationRochester rail station is set to be rebuilt in a £26m investment, it's been revealed.
• New name for Aberdeen™s airportABERDEEN™S airport has been given a new name to signal the œstart of a new direction for the city base.
• North-east roads plagued by potholesMOTORISTS were today enduring more misery as potholes began to reappear on the North-east™s winter-ravaged roads.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• SHIPPING FIRMS WILL ENCOUNTER EXTRA COSTS WHEN USING HUMBER PORTS Hard-up shipping companies that use Humber ports are set to be hit in the pocket, as harbour authority Associated British Ports (ABP) has been forced to increase its charges.

Freight on Rail

• New research exposes flaws in industry lobbying for mega trucks.Casualties, congestion and pollution will rise, not fall, if 82 ft (25 metre) mega trucks were introduced to UK roads, according to new research which highlights deep flaws in the arguments being put forward by Kimberley Clark to justify mega trucks.

Global Rail News

• Reading remodelling takes shapeThe remodelling of Reading station is one of the largest projects currently being undertaken by Network Rail. Previous articles in the rail engineer (issue 76 Feb 2011 – Caversham Road Bridge, issue 77 March 2011 – Station Area Resignalling and issue 78 April 2011 – New Station Design & Layout) gave an insight into the [...]
• Balfour Beatty appoints new chief executiveBalfour Beatty’s chief executive Ian Tyler is to step down after eight years at the helm of the British construction group. Tyler’s departure comes after the firm issued a profit warning to shareholders in November, alongside a review of its European rail business. Deputy chief executive Andrew McNaughton will take over from Tyler on March [...]
• £37.5bn rail investment plan submitted to the ORRNetwork Rail has set out its £37.5 billion investment plan for control period 5 (CP5). The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said it will now carry out a “rigorous” assessment of the strategic business plan, which aims to deliver 170,000 extra peak-time commuter seats on a network experiencing unprecedented growth in demand. David Higgins, [...]
• Turkish transport authority places €7.5m tram orderThe Turkish city of Samsun has agreed a deal with Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CNR Tangshan Railway Vehicles to add five new trams to its current fleet. Samsun Metropolitan Municipality held a special signing ceremony for the 7.5 million euro contract, which requires delivery of all vehicles within the next 14 months. The deal includes [...]
• New high-speed Acela service launchedAmtrak has announced the start of a new weekday high-speed Acela Express service between New York and Washington. In December 2012, Amtrak said it would be cancelling a planned expansion of the Acela fleet to explore the introduction of the next-generation of high-speed trains on the Northeast corridor. The new Acela service includes an 8pm [...]
• First KISS starts service out of BerlinThe first of a new fleet of Stadler KISS EMUs has begun service on Germany’s Berlin-Brandenburg rail system. The double-deck train, which was delivered in December 2012, is the first of 16 four-car units ordered by rail operator ODEG (Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn). In 2011, Stadler Reinickendorf completed the first vehicle’s bodyshell. Stadler Pankow then installed the [...]

Railnews

• Network Rail unveils £37bn investment for 2014-19 Network Rail has published its Strategic Business Plan for the five years from 2014, setting out proposals costing some £37.5 billion to upgrade many parts of the network as well as pushing ahead with major projects including main line electrification, Crossrail and Thameslink. But the ORR will have to be convinced first.

Aviation Industry

• Airlines boosted by rise in passengersUK and Ireland™s leading carriers see higher numbers during last year
• Virgin Atlantic announces new bossAmerican Airlines executive to take over as Virgin's chief executive in February