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

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Government

• Airports Commission publishes discussion on the UK’s existing airport capacityThe Airports Commission is today calling for evidence on the connectivity and business models of the UK’s existing airport capacity.

BBC News

• Cambridge Airport safety concerns highlighted in leaked emailsA BBC investigation has found evidence of safety concerns at Cambridge Airport. Leaked management emails, and the evidence of two whistle-blowers, have highlighted concerns about equipment failures and the state of the runway.
• Extra buses after World Cup matchThe Tube's operating hours will not be extended for England's World Cup game on Saturday but extra buses will be laid on instead, London Underground announces.
• Private railway funding on trackA £150m scheme to build a private railway in Windsor is on track to secure the £10m needed for planning permission by the end of 2014, according to the firm behind the plan.
• New plans for Crossrail 2 unveiledThe route Crossrail 2 could take across London is altered following a public consultation.
• BP loses bid to freeze spill payoutsThe US Supreme Court has refused to allow BP to stop paying compensation claims while it awaits a review of its settlement with businesses over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Department for Transport

• Fraud check cut set to save motorists moneyVehicle Identity Checks won't be required to return written-off cars in roadworthy condition from October 2015.
• Government consults on the future of rail services in the northRail passengers in the north are being asked what improvements they want to see for services across the region as the government considers how the Northern and TransPennine franchises can best make use of the massive investment being rolled out across the network.
• Rail franchising: Northern and Transpennine ExpressConsultation on the future of the TransPennine Express and Northern rail franchises plus prospectuses released.

The Independent

• New Network Rail boss Mark Carne hits train delay en route to grilling by politicians over high costs Network Rail’s incoming chief executive has conceded that his organisation’s costs are too high, and has vowed to reduce them.

Mail Online

• Airbus reveals the future of flight, with panoramic windows and games rooms on planes The planes of the future will have 360-degree views, seats that serve drinks and the option for a gentle sea breeze to blow through the cabin.

London Evening Standard

• World Cup 2014: Extra night buses to get football fans home after England opener against Italy Football fans were told today that scores of extra night buses will be laid on in London next weekend to get them home after England’s first World Cup match.
• Crossrail 2 could open four years early as Boris Johnson announces revised route Crossrail 2 could be opened by 2029 - four years earlier than initially proposed - the Mayor announced today as he published revised plans for the multi-billion pound link.
• EasyJet mulls a landing at Heathrow Budget airline giant easyJet is looking at options to eventually operate from Heathrow and is set to join a major committee of current Heathrow carriers.

Manchester Evening News

• Manchester Airport passenger numbers to soar past the 22m mark More than 2m passengers travelled through the airport in May, a seven per cent increase on the same time last year.

Wales Online

• Cardiff Airport express bus service to be scaled back after performance reviewThe T9 service has been criticised as a 'ghost train' due to low passenger numbers, but Welsh Government insisted service had exceeded expectations

Burnley Express

• Burnley’s new-look rail station opens soonThe latest piece in the Burnley economic jigsaw is on track as the town’s new rail way station is set to open soon.

Doncaster Free Press

• Public consultation on rail servicesRail passengers in the north of England, including those in Doncaster, are being asked what improvements they want in the region.
• Flights between Belfast and Robin Hood airport made easierPassengers booking to fly from Doncaster Sheffield Airport to Belfast on the new LinksAir route, will now be able to book through their travel agents and online agents including comparison sites.

Other Regional Press

• Transport blueprint to go on show in townNew 20 mph zones and improved bus and rail services could be part of a future transport strategy for Spalding.
• Manston airport: Campaigners say it will reopen 'if not this year, then next year' despite owners deciding not to reply to Airports CommissionCampaigners say growing pressure will force Manston airport's owners to sell, despite its impending omission from the latest aviation inquiry.
• Alternative Heathrow Airport plan to be presented to councillorsThe second of two major plans to extend facilities at Heathrow Airport will be presented to councillors on the Royal Borough's Aviation Forum on Wednesday.

Global Rail News

• Transpennine and Northern franchise competitions beginMinisters have begun the bidding for the new Transpennine and Northern rail franchises. The Department for Transport (DfT) has published an OJEU notice for both franchises, which are set to begin[...]
• Planning approval for Sydney light rail projectA $1.6 billion light rail system planned for the centre of Sydney has been given the thumbs up by the city’s planning authority. The CBD and South East Light Rail[...]
• ADIF tenders for traction power maintenance contractSpanish infrastructure manager ADIF has launched a €204 million tender for the maintenance of high-speed traction power systems. The contract covers the traction power equipment covering 2,300 kilometres of high-speed[...]
• Colas Rail buys Class 60 locomotivesColas Rail has signalled its commitment to “develop and grow” its UK freight business with the procurement of 10 Class 60 locomotives from DB Schenker. The new locomotives, which will[...]

Aviation Industry

• AEA: Proposed ‘massive’ hike in German airspace user fees is ‘unacceptable’ The Association of European Airlines (AEA) has called proposed plans by Germany’s air navigation services provider Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) to increase user charges next year “unacceptable.” read more
• American Airlines takes delivery of first Bombardier CRJ900American Airlines Group has taken delivery of the first of 30 enhanced Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, which will be operated by subsidiary PSA Airlines under the American Eagle brand. read more
• Call for evidence on ‘critical’ role of regional airportsAirports Commission launches consultation on the future of the UK’s existing airport capacity
• Easyjet considers Heathrow moveAirline applies to join key committee at airport
• Virgin defends Little Red's 60% empty flightsAirline 'pleased' with progress and expects service to grow
• Qatar Airways launches ‘print own baggage tag’ systemQatar Airways has launched a new time-saving system that allows travellers to print their own baggage tags before arrival at the airport.

Other News Sources

• VIRGIN AMERICA REPORTS MAY 2014 OPERATIONAL RESULTSVirgin America today reported its preliminary operational results for May 2014 and the first five months of the year. The airline's traffic (measured in revenue passenger miles) decreased 0.6...