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

Sunday, 23 July 2023

BBC News

• New bus gate proposed for Exeter city centreA new bus gate could be installed on one of Exeter's busiest shopping streets allowing buses to travel both ways.
• Trains between Scotland and England disrupted by RMT strikeTrain passengers are being disrupted on cross-border services as rail workers strike as part of a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.
• Government call for airlines interested in servicing islandThe Manx government calls for interest from operators in routes to the North West and London.
• Train strikes: Walkouts hit start of UK summer holidaysMembers of the RMT union at 14 rail companies will walk out on Saturday as many school holidays begin.

The Guardian

• Three-hour delays at Dover as bad weather and train strikes hit summer getawaySaturday expected to be busiest day for travel this year as millions take to UK’s roads, airports and ports

The Telegraph

• Scrapping bus lane for Jeremy Vine’s favourite cycle lane increases congestion, TFL admitsBicycle route in Hammersmith, praised by the TV personality, increased queuing and slowed bus times in West London, according to engineers

Times Online

• Sadiq Khan ’now listening’ on Ulez after Keir Starmer piles on pressure. [subscription]Labour demands overhaul of controversial green policy following by-election defeat
• How do pedestrians cross the road? More slowly than they used to. [subscription]To encourage walking and make journeys safer, new guidelines recognise that an ageing and less fit population needs longer at crossings
• We spent £1m on electric chargers — but we don’t have the power to use them. [subscription]To install a bank of 16 Tesla superchargers in readiness for this weekend’s holiday getaway cost £1 million.

i News

• Government prolonging strikes for ’political reasons’, claims rail union boss Mick LynchRail workers dispute over pay, jobs and conditions remains deadlocked after more than a year of industrial action

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• 'Dismay' over cuts to evening bus services in BradfordCOUNCILLORS have pleaded with a bus company to reconsider cuts to evening services that are due to be introduced today.

London Evening Standard

• London day travelcards to be phased outDaily paper ticket to be scrapped as TfL seeks to generate more income

Other Regional Press

• “Fund our regular bus routes, as we can’t rely on Westlink” North East Somerset campaigners urge Metro MayorLib Dem bus campaigners are urging the Mayor of the West of England to fund regular bus routes, which could reconnect ’stranded’ residents in North East Somerset, as residents say the WECA Mayor's Westlink demand responsive service is unreliable and difficult to use.
• Significant challenges for Liverpool ferry terminalWhile a move to increase the Liverpool ferry terminal budget has been adjourned until November, the Chief Minister has provided an update on its progress.
• More than 1,000 sign petition for north-east rail restoration as campaign heats upResidents and business people from the two towns have hailed Tory MSP Liam Kerr's petition as a 'brilliant initiative' showing the 'strength of feeling' within the community.
• MP and Network Rail in talks over Thatcham bridgeNewbury MP Laura Farris is entering discussions with ministers and Network Rail for a bridge at Thatcham level crossing.
• Possibility of new Ealing railway station not having fully accessible platforms called “absolute scandal”The possibility of a new London railway station not having fully accessible platforms has been called an “absolute scandal” by a City Hall politician – as mayor Sadiq Khan pledged to personally get involved.
• New train station faces ticket office closure as councillors ask ’Why?’CONTROVERSIAL plans to close rail station ticket offices include a Tameside stop that only opened five months ago after a £500,000 refit.
• Disability campaigners slam changes to Norwich Train StationCampaigners have hit out at plans to close almost every railway station ticket office in England - arguing disabled and elderly people have been "completely ignored".

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• McGill’s: Night buses are key for local economiesNight buses play a crucial rule in revitalising Britain’s town centres, believe the owners of McGill’s Group, who have been backed up by night-time industry figures.
• Rural bus cutbacks blamed on lack of BSIP fundingBus provision in rural and county council areas has been reduced by more than a quarter over the last 12 years, according to research commissioned by the County Councils Network (CCN), which blames the decline on how Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) funding was targeted.

Other News Sources

• Italian operators order world’s first narrow-gauge hydrogen rolling stockThe new fleets will be operated on 950mm-gauge networks in Sardinia and Calabria.
• The department store which brought the railway to ChesterCestrians have much to thank Browns of Chester for after all it did to make it the city it is today
• Plans for bridleway alongside railway with trains travelling up to 110mphRiders have raised safety concerns over a proposed bridleway alongside a railway line that carries trains travelling up to 110mph.
• RAIL DODGE Network Rail bosses rack up eye-watering weekly fee on flight tickets as they shun trains for UK tripsNETWORK Rail staff spent £10,000 a week on flight tickets last year — including many trips within the UK. The company let the plane take the strain almost 20 times a week for journeys in Britain.
• Paul Sweeney: Glasgow could have a world-class public transport systemNeed to use the Subway on a Sunday? Better travel before 6pm. Need to use the trains? Better have a healthy bank balance. Need to use the bus at night? First Glasgow’s managing director has ludicrously suggested that you take up a part-time job with him and drive the bus yourself.
• Shields Ferry ship celebrates 30 years of service across River Tyne with celebrations including 45p feesAn iconic Shields Ferry is celebrating 30 years of service, having carried more than seven million customers since she was first launched.
• CalMac staff on frontline of ferry crisis as glossy new BBC Scotland documentary airsEngineer Gemma Louise McLoughlin says 'we do give it our best and it's not our fault' as the new TV show goes behind the scenes at the troubled west coast ferry company
• Powys councillor calls on Network Rail and council for pothole fixA POWYS councillor has called for action over a "disgraceful and dangerous" road, amid confusion over who is responsible for its upkeep.
• Solar Buses: A Sustainable Solution for Modern City TransportSolar buses are emerging as a sustainable solution for modern city transport, transforming the way we perceive urban mobility. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of pollution and climate change, the introduction of solar buses marks a significant stride towards creating cleaner, greener urban environments.
• £18m of devolution funding for transport, housing and skills programmes to be made available across East MidlandsMillions of pounds in funding – made possible because of plans for devolution in the East Midlands – has been agreed and will be spent on improving housing, transport and the skills of local people across Nottingamshire and Derbyshire
• Glasgow Airport receives top ranking in CAA's annual accessibility reportYesterday the CAA published its Airport Accessibility Report on the disability access of 26 of the UK’s largest airports by. The report covers the period from April 2022 to March 2023.
• Direct rail services to Newport could begin in DecemberDirect train services to Newport along the Ebbw Valley line could start in December, a senior Blaenau Gwent councillor has said.