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

Sunday, 09 June 2019

BBC News

• British Steel collapse prompts parliamentary inquiryThe move by the Business Committee follows the recent liquidation of the firm, putting 5,000 jobs at risk.

The Guardian

• Flight shaming is taking off – can travel be more ethical?Campaigners want us to take fewer flights, but ditching the plane for a train is easier said than done

The Independent

• Heathrow leads the way with sustainability goal and changing out 4 million fish meals a yearHeathrow Airport has been named the world’s first accredited for serving sustainable seafood. Red-rated fish – the least sustainable varieties according to the Marine Conservation Society – is mostly off the menu already.

The Telegraph

• Chinese giant Fosun plots Thomas Cook break-up [subscription]A multi-billion pound Chinese conglomerate is plotting the break-up of British holiday giant Thomas Cook with plans for a potential offer for the 178 year-old company’s tour arm.
• Acoustic cameras could be brought in to fine drivers with noisy cars [Subscription]Motorists could be fined for breaking legal noise limits if "acoustic camera" technology is developed, according to the government.

Times Online

• Tax breaks to steer us to e-bikes [subscription]Commuters are to be offered tax breaks to switch to bicycles with electric motors as the government believes they will cut congestion and pollution.
• Rail giant FirstGroup may sue Chris Grayling [subscription]Transport giant FirstGroup could sue the government if it fails to renegotiate terms on its struggling South Western Railway franchise. The new boss of the FTSE 250 bus and rail operator, Matthew Gregory, said he preferred a consensual deal. However, he would consider other options if talks with the Department for Transport, led by Chris Grayling, failed.
• Interview: FirstGroup’s Matthew Gregory [subscription]As he faces a showdown with an activist investor, the First chief needs to prove his break-up plans are the best. Bosses of the transport giant FirstGroup have a diminishing shelf life. The rail and bus operator’s founder, Sir Moir Lockhead, lasted 21 years; his successor, Tim O’Toole, had almost eight.
• ’Empty’ Uber cabs driving pollution and congestion [Subscription]Uber cab drivers carry a paying passenger for less than half their shift, according to new data that raises serious concerns that the ride-hailing giant is adding to congestion and pollution.
• How to install a home EV chargerVroom, e-vroom, but do you have room to charge an electric car at home? Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) rose 13.8% in the UK last year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association: that’s about a quarter of the European average, but an increase nevertheless.

City AM

• Fosun lines up bid for Thomas Cook tour operating businessThomas Cook’s biggest shareholder, Fosun Tourism Group, is in talks to take over the struggling firm’s tour operating business.

London Evening Standard

• World Naked Bike Ride 2019: Hundreds of cyclists take part in naked bike ride around the capitalHundreds of cyclists across the world have taken part in a naked bike ride in an annual protest aimed at celebrating the human body and campaigning against dependency on cars.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Could Newcastle Airport's runway be extended as part of its masterplan?Newcastle International Airport bosses have finalised a masterplan for the airport's growth

Yorkshire Evening Post

• YEP says: If HS2 trains need a new viaduct in Leeds, let's make it a world leaderF there is to be a new viaduct built in Leeds to carry HS2 trains, then let’s make it a world leader. Not only should it be a stunning piece of architecture, complementing what already exists in our city, but its design should be one which reflects what is needed for the future.

Lancashire Telegraph

• People power wins as 'vital' bus route is savedA ’VITAL’ bus route linking Preston to East Lancashire has been saved after hundreds of people signed a petition opposing a motion to scrap the service.

Other Regional Press

• Concern over Aberdeen airport strikes as row goes onA passenger group has voiced concerns after hundreds of staff went on strike at Aberdeen International Airport.
• Council to consider ideas for a light rail systemHEREFORDSHIRE Council leaders say they will consider proposals for ultra-light rail to reduce congestion in the city. The Herefordshire Sustainable Transport Group has submitted evidence to the Department for Transport answering its call for submissions on opportunities to introduce new light rail systems into towns and cities in England.

Bikebiz

• One third of disabled people in UK cities ’would like to start cycling’An estimated 84% of disabled people living in the UK’s biggest cities never cycle for local journeys, yet one third (33%) said they would like to start cycling, according to a report from Sustrans and Arup.

Rail Advent

• Rural Scotland stations fitted with new information screensScotRail has announced that rural stations across Scotland have been fitted with new customer information screens.

road.cc

• It’s Bike Week! “All you need is a bike” says Cycling UK Bike Week starts today. You should definitely celebrate it by riding your bike. Hundreds of events are being held across the country as Cycling UK urges people to think “bike” and how they can bring cycling into their lives.

Other News Sources

• Chance to see trains and buses from London's past that are normally locked awayLondon Transport Museum is offering a rare chance to see inside its Acton Depot

EIN News Subscription

• Airlines 'cannot expect a free pass' on emissions tax … ’s marked resistance to an EU report on taxing aviation. That … be “close to zero”, the EU report said. Less connectivity and … Regional Economics Research Centre, said airlines had to take their fair … has become the mode of transport we all take for granted …
• British Airways opens archive collection airline to mark its 100-year history … international flight with its predecessor airline, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited (AT… predecessor companies: British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), British European Airways (BEA), British South …