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

Thursday, 04 July 2024

BBC News

• Bus route decline is 'devastating' say residentsCampaigners say the reduction of their local bus service in Somerset has been "devastating" following the introduction of a new timetable.
• 'Fast rail links would improve North West outcomes'Transportation is a critical issue in general elections due to its impact on the economy, environment and social equality.
• Translink to review Belfast-Dublin rail fareThe Enterprise is jointly run by Translink and Irish Rail, but ticket prices can significantly differ .

Financial Times

• Airfares will have to jump to fund net zero goals, IAG boss warnsLuis Gallego expects cost implications of switch to cleaner fuel to hit passenger demand

The Guardian

• Japan introduces enormous humanoid robot to maintain train linesThe 12-metre high machine has coke bottle eyes and a crude Wall-E-like head, as well as large arms that can be fitted with blades or paint brushesIt resembles an enormous, malevolent robot from 1980s sci-fi but West Japan Railway's new humanoid employee was designed with nothing more sinister than a spot of painting and gardening in mind.Starting this month, the large machine with enormous arms, a crude, disproportionately small Wall-E-like head and coke-bottle eyes mounted on a truck which can drive on rails will be put to use for maintenance work on the company's network.

Times Online

• German carmakers warn EU over China tariffs. [subscription]BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes fear that their vehicles could become uncompetitive
• Sky’s the limit for IAG Cargo as air freight industry evolves [subscription]Airlines globally are expected to deliver 62 million tonnes of cargo this year, with the owner of British Airways revenue on passenger flights

Birmingham Mail

• Ryanair baggage warning to passengers flying from eight UK airportsPassengers flying from Birmingham Airport, Manchester and London Stansted among others must follow a different procedure when purchasing excess baggage

Birmingham Post

• Production of new Nissan models sends Unipres profits higher as bosses eye Jaguar Land Rover workThe component maker said recent years' problems in sourcing semiconductors had now eased

London Evening Standard

• Spending on cars rising three times faster than for public transport faresThe AA has claimed new figures highlight how vital motoring is for UK consumers and the country’s finances.

Manchester Evening News

• 'Salford is a growing city, why aren't we building more cycle lanes?'Campaigners have called for the council to deliver more.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• 'Will our bus passes remain free?' veteran campaigner calls on election winner to make travel pledgeA veteran bus campaigner is calling on the winner of the general election to pledge they will keep free bus passes for elderly and disabled passengers.

Other Regional Press

• Southend Airport ambitions to expand terminal revealedTHE new owners of Southend Airport have revealed lofty ambitions to expand its terminal and hit the huge milestone of 10million passengers a year.
• Oxford politician says Cowley Road 'flourishing' with LTNsThe cabinet member for transport in Oxford and Oxfordshire has said businesses in Cowley Road are

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Boeing acquires Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 Billion to boost aircraft safetyAerospace company, Boeing, has announced an agreement to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock transaction equity value of $4.7 billion, or $37.25 per share. The total transaction value is approximately $8.3 billion, including Spirit's last reported net debt. Spirit AeroSystems was originally part of Boeing until 2005, Boeing sold its Wichita, Kansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma facilities to the Onex Corporation who then established the independent aerostructure supplier.   Boeing believe this deal will support supply chain stability and their critical manufacturing workforce, prov...

New Civil Engineer

• Network Rail begins replacement of 7km of track in Severn TunnelNetwork Rail has begun a project to replace 7km of railway track running through the Severn Tunnel that will see the route closed for over two weeks.

Rail UK

• Rail Europe Welcomes Robert From as Chief Growth OfficerRail Europe, the reference brand for European train booking, is excited to announce the appointment of Robert From as Chief Growth Officer. In this executive role, Robert will oversee the B2C business, including customer acquisition, growth, retention, ancillaries, and monetisation. His arrival comes at a pivotal time as Rail Europe is set to launch a new booking experience for its B2C customers on both the website and app by beginning of 2025.

Railway Gazette

• Japanese local railway pilots facial recognition ticketingJAPAN: Light rail and bus operator Yamaman Co has added facial recognition to the Jorudan Style Point&Pass ticketing system used on its 4·1 km six-station Yukarigaoka Line and local bus services.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Great British Rail Replacement is formed by CMAC GroupGreat British Rail Replacement has been launched by CMAC Group. The move represents what CMAC says is “a fresh approach” to the provision of those services and improving customers’ experience of them.

Aviation Industry

• IAG starts another round of share buy-backs to support Air Europa acquisitionBritish Airways and Iberia parent IAG is pursuing another share buy-back programme intended to support its proposed acquisition of Spanish operator Air Europa.

Other News Sources

• Zero-emissions ferry to link South Coast and Isle of WightRed Funnel and Artemis Technologies have announced plans to launch a zero-emissions ferry, on the Southampton to West Cowes route by late 2025
• Aberdeen bus gates decision delayed AGAIN as councillors vent furyAberdeen bus gates decision delayed AGAIN as councillors vent fury
• New Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board to lead transformation of rail connectivityA new Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board has been established to maximise the economic and social benefits of a new railway between the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.
• Rail industry leaders urge next government to resolve Sunday working conundrumUK: Delivering a ‘seven day railway’ must be a priority for the next government, industry leaders have told Rail Business UK following a surge in Sunday cancellations caused by crew shortages.
• In conversation with James Price, CEO Transport for WalesTransport for Wales was set up by the Welsh Government in 2016 to change the way that Wales travels, and its 8-year journey is beginning to bear fruit. The work to modernise and electrify the lines is in progress, and the opening of Cardiff’s new Bus Interchange is imminent, meaning that there is much to be positive about.
• Loughborough University Launches New Centre for Transport AI InnovationWe are proud to announce the establishment of the Transport AI Innovation Centre (TRAICE), a new pan-university Centre of Excellence. TRAICE aims to become a leader in advancing smart, safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation systems.