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

Sunday, 31 December 2023

Cogitamus

• The Chris Stokes Column - Draft Rail Reform Bill will not fill policy vacuumThe rail industry is now operating in a policy vacuum, with no coherent vision for its governance or its investment strategy. It’s clear that senior Ministers regard the industry as little more than an expensive nuisance, with limited economic importance.
• Question 25 - What is the well known term used by allied pilots in WW II to describe UFO's A. Spuggle Bug B. Bayarola C. Foo Fighters D. Roswell Riser
• Question 26 - Who re-designed the London Underground map in diagrammatic form?A. Henry Beck B. Frank Pick C. Fred Stingemore D. Ken Garland
• Question 27 - Which of these Welsh stations was opened in the 21st Century?A. Baglan B. Pye Corner C. Briton Ferry D. Wildmill
• Answers to Questions 25, 26 & 27Question 25 - C. Question 26 - A. Question 27 - B
• Cracker Joke - Why did the aeroplane get sent to his room?... Bad altitude.

Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

• Season 2 - The strange cases of disappearing flightpaths, bridge arches and bus shelters2/5 The strange cases of disappearing flightpaths, bridge arches and bus shelters [S2, Ep 5]
• Season 2 - You turn if you want to - England spins booking office uey as USA throws robocar 180Breaking news brings an extra episode from Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker who scrutinise the complete abandonment of proposed rail station booking office closures in England after a huge public backlash [1:30] and the withdrawal of Cruise self-driving cars in the USA following safety concerns [16:30]. In his Final Thought from the Departure Lounge, Christian asks whether the two stories show the limitations of technology in transport [26:10]. [S2, Ep 6]
• Season 2 - New transport laws, new job for a rail legend and a new airport shuttleChristian and co-presenter Mark Walker consider the UK's Automated Vehicles Bill [1:45] and the Draft Rail Reform Bill [6:30]. Christian then interviews new Freightliner boss and rail industry legend Tim Shoveller about his career and the lessons he draws for the future [11:43] before speaking on site to Luton DART General Manager Linsey Sweet about just how Britain's newest transport system works [43:36]. Finally, Christian reflects on the possible settlement of England's long-running rail industrial disputes [48:53].