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The Christ Stokes Column - Crossrail recalls perils of cutting investment when demand appears to be falling
2021 started in lockdown, and ended with the dramatic spread of the omicron variant. According to DfT’s statistics, passenger journeys had slowly climbed back up to the dizzy height of 72% of pre-pandemic levels in late November, but then we were told to work from home again, and volumes dropped to little more than 50%, with commuting collapsing once more.
Minister defends plans for £100m HS2 study after Leeds is cut from route
Rail Minister Wendy Morton said it is “absolutely right” that the Government should spend another £100m on a study which will determine how HS2 trains can reach Leeds, after the city was cut from the route for the high-speed line.
Wednesday, 05 January 2022
Cogitamus
- The Christ Stokes Column - Crossrail recalls perils of cutting investment when demand appears to be falling2021 started in lockdown, and ended with the dramatic spread of the omicron variant. According to DfT’s statistics, passenger journeys had slowly climbed back up to the dizzy height of 72% of pre-pandemic levels in late November, but then we were told to work from home again, and volumes dropped to little more than 50%, with commuting collapsing once more.
BBC News
- Midland Red bus memories kept alive at transport museumThe Midland Red name disappeared 40 years ago, but dedicated enthusiasts are keeping dozens running.
- ScotRail introduces temporary timetable for January due to CovidA temporary timetable is brought in until 28 January, mainly affecting the central belt.
- Train services hit by Covid staff absencesPassengers face fewer services or cancellations as the rail sector faces high absence rates.
- Covid: Travel firms call for removal of testing rulesWith case rates of the Omicron variant so high, airlines say testing passengers is having no real impact.
Financial Times
- Travel and leisure stocks surge as Omicron disruption fears fadeShares of BA owner IAG, easyJet and Wizz among biggest gainers as airlines benefit from improving sentiment
The Herald
- CalMac's 'only travel if essential' warning while lifeline services are ravagedTHREE lifeline vessels were sidelined for repairs and Covid as islanders raised new concerns in the wake of ferry disruption through high winds and snow.
The Telegraph
- Secret Whitehall plot blamed for rail chaos [subscription]Widespread cancellations attributed to Covid-related staff shortages are part of a strategy, say rail bosses
Times Online
- The Times view on acoustic cameras to combat noisy drivers: Sounding Off [subscription]The noise from cars and motorbikes can be just as antisocial as their fumes
- Go-Ahead boosts its green credentials with hydrogen buses deal [subscription]Go-Ahead Group has signed the biggest passenger transport green hydrogen supply contract in Europe as it beefs up its zero-emission bus fleet with fuel-cell vehicles built in the UK.
- Prestwick airport not expected to sell this year after offers rejected [subscription]The directors of state-owned Prestwick airport have said there is “no expectation” it will be sold this year.
- Smart ticketing budget cut ‘frustrating for transport’ [subscription]The SNP’s green credentials are being undermined by cuts to smartcard funding and a failure to “take off the brakes off” on a loan scheme to purchase electric cars, critics say.
- Rail boss shows silky skills in tricky transport review [subscription]here to start with the Union Connectivity Review? This multi-modal kickabout slipped under the radar, and has only succeeded in being predictably off the ball. The rhetoric has been inch-perfect. After all, everyone has had plenty of time to rehearse their set pieces.
Manchester Evening News
- Free bus passes are set to be axed for millions of people in the UK under new lawHow to check if you're eligible for a free bus pass under new changes to the law
Wales Online
- Nearly 80 train services cancelled as commuters return to work after New YearThe cancellations are part of Transport for Wales' emergency timetable
Yorkshire Post
- Minister defends plans for £100m HS2 study after Leeds is cut from routeRail Minister Wendy Morton said it is “absolutely right” that the Government should spend another £100m on a study which will determine how HS2 trains can reach Leeds, after the city was cut from the route for the high-speed line.
- We need to stick with one plan for the North’s railways - Justin MossLAST year the Government announced its latest rail proposals for the north of England.
Cambridge News
- All the changes to Stagecoach East bus prices coming into effect across CambridgeshireReturns are out and group tickets are in
Other Regional Press
- Rail service axed despite protests from MPsA DIRECT rail service from Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge to London Waterloo has been withdrawn despite protests from local MPs and thousands of commuters.
- Travellers slammed after mask rule-flouting on Northern trainRules on mask-wearing should be more tightly enforced if they are to be obeyed.
New Civil Engineer
- Two ex-ICE Presidents, Network Rail employees and TfL staff recognised in New Year’s honours listFormer HS2 and Crossrail chairman Doug Oakervee is among engineers and transport chiefs featuring in the Queen's New Year's honours list.
- Plans to convert abandoned Welsh Valleys rail tunnel into record-breaking cycle route edge closer to realityCampaigners hoping to convert an abandoned rail tunnel in the Welsh Valleys were given a boost over the Christmas period after transport secretary Grant Shapps agreed to remove one of the key blockers to the project.
- National Highways left waiting again as Shapps delays yet another planning decisionTransport secretary Grant Shapps has started the new year as he ended the old one: by delaying a planning decision on a National Highways project.
Other News Sources
- The decarbonisation of transport: Legal issues on the route to net zeroEdward Barratt, a Partner working with the Decarbonisation Team at Osborne Clarke, considers the legal issues that providers and authorities need to be aware of when working to achieve net zero carbon targets and how to approach them.
- British Transport Police and Transport for Wales reveal results of joint operation to keep passengers safe over ChristmasFigures from British Transport Police (BTP) reveal that over 400 people were ejected from stations across Wales during the festive season, as part of a joint operation with Transport for Wales to keep passengers safe.
- Cotswolds on track for light rail linkFunding secured for feasibility studies into the future for public transport in the area
- 29 images of the stunning new rail bridge at the Ocean in Stonehouse29 IMAGES of the stunning new rail bridge at the Ocean in Stonehouse have been released.
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