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

Monday, 07 August 2023

BBC News

• Virgin Atlantic pilots consider strike over fatigueMembers of the Balpa union have
• Rail disruption as drivers begin new overtime banMembers of the Aslef train drivers union started another overtime ban on Monday.

The Guardian

• The Guardian view on the digital divide: a growing problem that must be taken seriously | EditorialMinisters are complacent about the high price to society of pushing the cost of administering public services on to their usersFrom GP appointments to railway tickets to cashless parking, key services in the UK are being delivered digitally. For many, the convenience is a tangible benefit. But there are appreciable downsides for the millions of people who find it difficult to carry out basic day-to-day functions in a world that assumes everyone is comfortable online. In the name of progress, the danger is that a wall is erected between wider society and a group that tends to live outside Engla...

City AM

• City Airport chief: Post-Brexit London needs us to expand – and fastLondon City Airport’s proposed expansion is “critically important” to keeping the capital ahead of international rivals, its chief executive has argued, as the business travel hub fights with a local council for permission to go ahead with the project.
• Branson’s Virgin Galactic is set to fly tourists to the stars – but can space tourism become more than a hobby for the super rich?Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is set to launch its first tourists to space on Thursday this week. The Galactic 02 mission, which follows the successful launch of the companies’ first commercial flight in June, will carry three paying customers – an 80-year old Olympian and a Caribbean mother-daughter duo.

Mail Online

• Electric car revolution 'will turn pavements into obstacle courses' by cluttering streets with charging cables, charities warnCampaigners say replacing petrol and diesel cars could leave streets dangerously cluttered with electric vehicle (EV) charging cables.

The Mirror

• 'HS2 poses a real threat to our homes and could change our community completely'HS2 railway bosses want permission to build a "sizeable" ventilation shaft in a flood zone in West Didsbury, in Manchester, leaving residents "very, very worried"

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Second attempt to create city centre EV charging facilityAnother attempt to install electric car charging points at a prominent city centre site has been submitted to Bradford Council.

Daily Post (North Wales)

• We asked 3,600 people whether they supported 20mph limits - the result was clearThe vast majority of North Wales Live readers said they were not in support of the change

Bucks Free Press

• Chiltern Railways warns travellers ahead of 10 week disruptionChiltern Railways has warned travellers to prepare for 'major' works on the rail line which are expected to begin tomorrow and continue for 10 weeks.

South Wales Argus

• Watch: New electric tram trains part of the South Wales Metro projectNEW electric tram trains that can carry more than 250 passengers have been unveiled.

Other Regional Press

• Rail users say ownership of Powys bridge still in disputeTalks to resolve issues around the ownership of Welshpool Railway Station’s footbridge have reportedly stalled.
• Bournemouth Airport is 'stress-free' but can be 'expensive'Bournemouth Airport is often praised for its staff but criticised for its drop-off costs, according to passengers on Google Reviews

New Civil Engineer

• Network Rail applies for listed building consent to urgently remedy ’cracking’ on iconic Glenfinnan ViaductNetwork Rail has submitted an application for listed building consent to the Highland Council for plans to repair cracks on the listed Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland.
• £40M spent by Norfolk County Council on paused Norwich Western Link RoadWhile Norfolk County Council has paused its work on the £251M Norwich Western Link Road while it awaits a decision on its strategic outline business case, NCE can reveal £40M has been spent by the council on the project to date.
• Network Rail’s hot weather resilience preparation scrutinisedNetwork Rail’s preparedness to manage the railway network in extreme heats has been put under scrutiny in a series of external reviews.

Railtech

• Stadler to supply ÖBB with battery- powered trainsStadler has been selected by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) for a significant contract to provide up to 120 battery-powered trains. These trains, known as FLIRT Akku vehicles, are intended to replace the current diesel fleet and enable eco-friendly operations on partially electrified rail lines. The signing of the framework agreement, along with the initial order for 16 FLIRT battery trains, is scheduled for autumn 2023.
• Bulging order backlogs and higher profits for Spanish rolling stock manufacturersTalgo and CAF have posted solid number over the past six months, in the past few days. CAF is sitting on a new all-time high order back log, while Talgo noted that it is on track for a a new record over the whole of 2023. Both rolling stock manufacturer posted increases in net profit.
• Uncertainty around the Deutschlandticket’s future funding remainsSince the introduction of the Deutschlandticket, there have been an estimated additional 170,000 train passengers per day, commuter journeys train on weekdays have increased by 27.5 per cent, and the number of weekend trips has increased significantly. Despite this success, the future of the ticket’s funding is not yet certain.

Aviation Industry

• Gatwick Airport Second Runway: Becoming More of a Reality?Gatwick Airport’s second runway is becoming more of a reality as the planning application to bring its existing northern runway into routine use has been accepted for detailed examination.

Other News Sources

• 26 bus charging points for Craigavon ahead of electric future for local bus network26 bus charging points for Craigavon ahead of electric future for local bus network 'It is aimed to transition the Translink bus fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2040' by Micheal McKenna August 6, 2023 Comments Translink depot Craigavon Over two dozen electric vehicle charging points are being planned ahead of the future generation of buses in Craigavon! -ADVERTISEMENT- Proposals have been drawn up for the Translink bus depot at Highfield Road. ADVERTISING Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is being asked to approve plans for a future car parking layout. This would involve the construction 26 electric vehicle charging points.
• Tayside transport boss defends road charges and cutting parking spacesCouncillor Andrew Parrott and other transport experts are considering road charges, fewer parking spaces and more 20mph limit zones.
• Transport bodies announce ’landmark’ Manchester regeneration strategyNetwork Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester agree plan to build developments around six major stations
• 'Signage at York Place bus gate is simply not clear'I AM SICK of this debate about the York Gate Bus Gate fines.