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

Monday, 03 October 2022

BBC News

• Cowes Floating Bridge: Chain ferry set to halt for 'essential' fixA chain ferry well-known for its breakdowns and problems is set to be pulled from service. The Isle of Wight Floating Bridge needs work on its prow to stop it making so much noise when it arrives on the slipway.
• Bus fares frozen until 2025 in West MidlandsThe region's mayor, Andy Street, says the move is aimed at helping during the cost of living crisis.
• Southampton: Transport plan scaled down due to 'inflation'Key elements of a major transport plan are set to be scrapped as they have become unaffordable due to "unprecedented inflation".
• Northern: Yorkshire trains trial leaves on the line solutionNew technology to combat the age-old rail problem of leaves on the line is set to be deployed in Yorkshire.

STV

• Only 16 days when ferry timetables operated as scheduled, stats revealFigures indicate that in the last five years, there were just 291 days when sailings ran according to their plan.

The Telegraph

• Leaf-busting spray to keep trains on track [subscription]Northern is set to roll out a new system to spray water onto train tracks to improve braking and combat delays caused by leaves on the line
• Is this the end of the road for classic cars? [subscription]Mounting environmental pressures and the move away from fossil fuels could spell danger for historic vehicles
• British Airways reviews uniforms after Virgin lets male pilots wear skirts [subscription]The UK flag carrier is reviewing whether it should change its policy after Virgin Atlantic dropped 'gendered uniform options'
• ’Chaotic’ service puts west coast main rail line contract under threat [subscription]Avanti West Coast 'should be stripped of control', says Greater Manchester mayor
• Dollar strength puts pressure on Jaguar Land Rover’s debts subscription]Over a third of the £8.9bn debt held by Britain’s biggest car manufacturer is in dollars
• We need to 'work as a family' with unions to avoid rail strikes, says Transport Secretary [subscription]Anne-Marie Trevelyan says she wants to 'bring everyone together' hours before three rail unions are set to bring the network to a halt

Times Online

• E-motorbike pioneer Maeving heads out on the highway [subscription]What began as an idea to import electric motorbikes evolved into a homegrown business

Sky News

• Train firm rolls out water spray tech to tackle 'leaves on line' autumnal delaysAround 10 million trees border Britain's rail network dropping thousands of tonnes of leaves onto tracks every autumn, landing the industry with an estimated seasonal bill of £345m.

Birmingham Mail

• Secret spy cars to hit West Midlands roads and fine drivers for making wrong turnsCouncils set to be given more powers to fine motorists for breaking rules of the road

Leicester Mercury

• Electrifying trains through Leicestershire top priority, Sir Peter Soulsby says, despite Leicester's A6 bridge barrierChanging train lines and stations in Leicestershire and beyond to accommodate electric trains should be a top priority, despite the barriers presented in the centre of Leicester. That's according to a group representing East Midlands councils, chaired by Leicester city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.

London Evening Standard

• Department for Transport data used for low-traffic schemes revised downThe schemes restrict through-traffic in residential streets to make them quieter and safer.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• Opening of two new Black Country railway stations a step closer after they were included in timetablesThe opening of two new Black Country railway stations has moved a stage closer after they were included in timetabling plans.

Yorkshire Post

• What Doncaster Sheffield Airport's closure will mean for local property pricesUnless there is a sudden and unexpected change of heart from owners Peel Group, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is soon to close, with operations wound down by the end of this month and the fall-out set to ripple across the residential property market in Doncaster.

Other Regional Press

• First-class train tickets scrapped on some Sussex servicesA rail company has scrapped first-class seats which will affect some Sussex services.

New Civil Engineer

• Network Rail to demolish golf club footbridge in £78M electrification projectNetwork Rail are looking to demolish a footbridge which leads to a Bolton golf club as part of a £78M electrification scheme.

Other News Sources

• Isle of Wight ferry firm and bus operator warn about Yarmouth bridgeIsle of Wight ferry firm, Wightlink, is warning passengers to be prepared for diversions, if they are travelling to and from Yarmouth this afternoon, (Sunday).
• SNP ministers face legal action amid claims contract to build two ferries was 'rigged'A Polish firm which lost out on £97m ships deal set to sue Government after damning investigation claimed the contract was 'rigged'.
• Hydrogen is fuel solution for shipping, says expertA leading expert with extensive experience in the operation and engineering of ships, has called for wider use of hydrogen as a fuel that will ultimately help the maritime industry meet its emissions reduction target by 2050.
• Green corridors for shipping coming to lifeNearly one year on from the COP 26 Climate conference in Glasgow where the concept of “Green Corridors” was unveiled in the Clydebank Declaration, consultants McKinsey have evaluated potential routes.
• HS2 construction complaints continue to decreaseThe number of construction related complaints made against HS2 Ltd and its contractors is continuing to fall, according to the latest quarterly report from independent construction commissioner Sir Mark Worthington.
• Rail supply market to hit €211 billion by 2027The global rail supply market is expected to expand by almost 20% in the coming five years, according to a new study. The news would see market volume accelerate past the €200 billion mark, as it recovers from the Covid-19 era.