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

Sunday, 15 October 2023

BBC News

• M6 Toll price increase comes into forceThe cost of using the route through Staffordshire has gone up by 30p for cars and 40p for vans.
• Transport for Wales: New trains target delayed by Covid, bosses sayFewer than a third of all Transport for Wales train journeys are being operated by modern trains.
• Luton Airport fire: More than 16,000 customers contactedLuton Airport says it has replied to almost 16,500 customer queries after a fire ripped through one of the car parks.
• Repairs hope for veteran CalMac ferry MV Hebridean IslesMV Hebridean Isles is due to carry passengers again this weekend for the first time in eight months.

The Guardian

• Work has stopped on HS2, but the Tories are still digging Britain into a hole | William KeeganThe loss of a national asset that would have aided ’levelling up’ shows how little Rishi Sunak is really committed to long-termism

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Parking crackdown looming in North Wales with higher prices and far fewer spacesMaking parking more difficult is a crucial lever if motorists are to ditch their cars for public transport

Nation. Cymru

• Transport for Wales under fire after failing to meet new trains targetPlaid Cymru has criticised the Welsh Government’s handling of Transport for Wales (TfW) and its failure to meet the pledge that new trains would make up 95% of train stock by 2023.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Complaints of traffic 'pandemonium' with glut of roadworks in Newcastle city centreThe city council has recently started work on Collingwood Street, adding to the disruption around Pilgrim Street and the Swan House Roundabout

Nottingham Evening Post

• Main thing our MPs need to prioritise for Nottinghamshire as Parliament returnsTime is running out for a crucial piece of legislation to be passed.

The York Press

• Jonathan Tyler of Passenger Transport Networks talks HS2The government decision to axe the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 was roundly condemned by the opposition Labour Party, even if they haven’t fully committed to reversing Rishi Sunak’s announcement.
• Jonathan Tyler of Passenger Transport Networks talks HS2The government decision to axe the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 was roundly condemned by the opposition Labour Party, even if they haven’t fully committed to reversing Rishi Sunak’s announcement.

Yorkshire Evening Post

• Key Leeds routes including Armley Town Street and Burley Road to be 'uplifted' with £8m fundingKey Leeds routes including Armley Town Street and Burley Road to be 'uplifted' with £8m funding

Other Regional Press

• Sadiq Khan writes to Rishi Sunak over HS2 Euston concernsSadiq Khan has written to Rishi Sunak with concerns over his plans to finish the HS2 rail link at Euston.
• The Greater Manchester town that's closer than ever to joining tram network after big hint givenMetrolink services in Stockport took a step closer to becoming reality this week after space for a future tram track was included as part of a development project in the town.
• 'It helps that the transport secretary isn't obsessed with trains': Gloucestershire bus routes saved from cuts thanks to £4.4m cash boostShire Hall bus chief Philip Robinson says the extra funding will lead to enhanced services across Gloucestershire
• Scrapping HS2 renews confidence in Cheshire property marketRISHI Sunak’s decision to axe the northern leg of HS2 will lead to a resurgence in demand for Cheshire properties in areas blighted by the proposed railway, an estate agency claims.
• Residents in communities 'destroyed' by HS2 'living in limbo' after cancellationEven after plans for the rail route to bulldoze through their homes were scrapped, people in Yorkshire have been left with more questions than answers

Train Operators

• Bloomin’ marvellous result as Barnstaple station is rated ’Outstanding’ by In Bloom judgesVolunteers at Barnstaple station are celebrating after it was judged ’Outstanding’ in the 2023 South West in Bloom awards.

Bus and Coach Buyer

• National Express closing Transport Solutions depotsBut no changes to Clarkes and The Kings Ferry brands ’at present’

Rail Advent

• Brand new wildlife-inspired artwork revealed at Bristol Temple Meads StationNetwork Rail commissioned the artwork, as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting wildlife and habitats along the railway
• Transport for Wales seeks views on station plans as well as additional rail servicesTransport for Wales (TfW) is keen to seek feedback on designs for potential new stations at Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern and Magor and Undy, especially what facilities people would like to see at each station.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Widening the focus for coach and bus carbon emissions strategyWith the switch to zero-emissions likely to take time, options such as biofuels and compressed natural gas are likely to play a part for coach and bus
• Ebusco ’looking at’ UK battery-electric bus market, it confirmsEbusco is looking at the UK market and is in contact with operators here “to keep a sharp eye on developments,” the Dutch builder of battery-electric buses has said.

Aviation Industry

• The Battle Of The Beasts: The Boeing Dreamlifter vs Airbus BelugaXLBoeing and Airbus aircraft consist of millions of parts. These are assembled in various locations throughout the globe, and large pieces of the fuselage or wings need to be transported from one site to another.
• Why Airlines Need To Invest In Improving Their AppsTravel is already a stressful time for many people. Additional complexities such as delayed baggage, flight modifications, and gate changes can also lead to increased concern. One way airlines can keep customers updated and reduce strain on call centers is through the use of practical mobile applications.

Other News Sources

• The hard work is only just starting for Manchester’s Bee NetworkThe ambition around buses in Greater Manchester is welcome, but the switch to franchising will not alone reap success, says Confederation of Passenger Transport Chief Executive Graham Vidler