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

Monday, 31 October 2016

BBC News

• Borders Railway 'serious' issues raisedThe new Borders railway line is beset by cancellations, late running trains and unreliable services, according to campaigners.
• Rail delays for Christmas travellersEngineering projects will mean significant delays for rail passengers during the Christmas holidays.
• UK told Nissan it wants tariff-free trading for motor industry, Clark saysThe UK wants tariff-free access to EU markets for the motor industry, Business Secretary Greg Clark says.
• Greg Clark: 'UK wants tariff-free trade for car makers'Business Secretary Greg Clark has said he reassured Nissan that the government would try to negotiate tariff-free trade for car makers with the EU, during Brexit negotiations.
• Japan shippers plan container mergerThree of Japan's biggest shipping companies say they will merge their container operations to become more efficient.

The Guardian

• Rail passengers face less than merry Christmas with travel disruptionsEngineering works, many of which begin on Christmas Eve, will affect lines in and out of London, Manchester and CardiffRail passengers are facing travel disruption over the Christmas period because of engineering works on lines in and out of London, Manchester and Cardiff as well as on the line for the Heathrow Express.Since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, the travel rush is expected to be on the Thursday and Friday before. Those leaving it till the last minute will find their getaway hindered because many works will begin on Christmas Eve – including at one that affects hundreds of ser...

The Scotsman

• Unions warn of rail strike over British Transport Police force merger planSCOTLAND'S trains face crippling strike action if the Scottish Government presses ahead with controversial plans to merge British Transport Police with Police Scotland, rail union leaders have warned.

Times Online

• Electric car sales significantly below target [subscription]The government has admitted that only 8,000 electric cars are expected to be on Irish roads in 2020 unless radical policies are introduced to turn drivers away from diesel and petrol.

City AM

• Network Rail may have to drawdown on mammoth government funding facilityAfter shelling out millions in compensation to Britain's train companies, Network Rail is facing the embarrassing prospect of asking for a hand out from the government.

Mail Online

• Gare du Nord station in Paris evacuated after World War shell discovered Two Eurostar trains bound for London have been delayed as a result of the find, described as a 'souvenir', which was reported earlier this morning.
• Volvo say that Britain’s first self-driving cars will be unmarked to avoid 'bullying' Erik Coelingh, pictured, the senior technical leader at Volvo, said the cars will be unmarked to make sure they aren't bullied because of concerns other motorists would react differently to them.

The Mirror

• Rail passengers face festive chaos as major lines are shut for improvements Network Rail is carrying out up to 200 “improvement projects” during the festive period, triggering pain for families hoping to celebrate together

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Transport chiefs start major bid to link Bradford to the mainline railway SENIOR politicians, businesses and rail groups have thrown their weight behind a proposal to put Bradford back on the “railway fast-track”.

London Evening Standard

• Network Rail warns London passengers of major disruption to trains over Christmas periodRail passengers travelling to and from London over the Christmas period face major disruption as lines close for engineering work.

Wales Online

• Major disruption on the cards for train passengers around ChristmasA number of lines will be closed for engineering works and services to London Paddington will be disrupted

Yorkshire Post

• YP Comment: Questions over HS2 benefits in YorkshireTODAY’S update by HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins on the economic benefits of high-speed rail in Yorkshire will reassure those who believe that Britain’s largest – and most complicated – infrastructure project will be scaled back once the key first phase linking London and Birmingham has been completed.
• Tony Hallwood: Our efforts to improve Leeds Bradford Airport are taking offLEEDS Bradford Airport has successfully grown its passenger numbers over the last few years through introducing new airlines and services that serve the Leeds City Region – and wider Yorkshire region. We are confident of our continued success, while recognising the need to plan how the terminal infrastructure should be now developed to cope with this growing demand.

Bucks Free Press

• MP: Why I welcome Heathrow decision for Bucks MP for Chesham and Amersham, Cheryl Gillan, writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

North Wales Live

• High speed rail link from Liverpool to London AND Manchester moves closer Move could cut London travel times to an hour and a quarter and Manchester times to 21 minutes

The Shields Gazette

• Pledge to look at hospital bus serviceCouncil bosses are to seek improved bus services to the borough’s main hospital after more than 1,000 people signed a petition.

Other Regional Press

• Plan to scrap wooden doors at Preston Bus Station challenged by conservationistsPLANS to scrap all the original wooden sliding doors on the concourse of Preston Bus Station and replace them with aluminium have been challenged by conservationists.
• Bus gates must be sorted before Christmas say furious tradersCampaigners' frustration at lack of action

Bus and Coach.com

• Electric and gas buses highlighted on ADL stand
• Politics goes centre stage at Euro Bus Expo
• Reading trials retrofit hybrid and dual-door operation
• Johnsons’ Martin Meacham, Peter Johnson and Amelia Bruce.
• Bus Services Bill is “once in a generation opportunity” says Wakefield
• Contactless bus travel for Stagecoach UK network by the end of 2018
• Greener Journeys quantifies bus benefits
• Full speed electric for Volvo
• Arriva Merseyside to take 12 BYD/ADL electric buses
• Nottingham sings its praises at parliament

Other News Sources

• Lib Dems call for better rural transportLiberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has called for better transport so rural students can complete their studies.
• M25 revealed as the UK's least favourite motorway in a new poll as drivers brand it 'road to hell' As the M25 celebrates its 30th anniversary, a new poll has seen drivers label it as one of the worst roads in the UK
• Abellio received £120,000 from Surrey County Council to keep buses running until DecemberSurrey County Council said it "had nothing to do" with Abellio being released nine months early from its contract