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

Thursday, 25 July 2024

BBC News

• Half of city's buses now run on electric - councilHalf of the buses serving Leicester are now electric-powered, the city council has said.
• Heathrow hits record passenger numbersA record number of passengers travelled through Heathrow in the first half of the year, the airport has said.
• Train station reopens south side after £5.5m revampA city train station has reopened its southern side following a multimillion-pound revamp.
• Restoration starts on railway station roofWork has started on restoring the trainshed roof of Huddersfield's Grade I listed railway station as part of a major upgrade.
• Rail company sets targets to combat climate changeA train company that operates services in south-east England has set targets to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Historic road and railway bridge upgrade completeA year-long project to strengthen a historic double-decker road and railway bridge has been completed.
• Car firms demand more help to meet 2030 petrol banManufacturers say support packages are required to electric vehicles more affordable.

Financial Times

• EasyJet reassures investors over summer travel as fares hold upLow-cost carrier posts rising profits after Ryanair warned on falling ticket prices and demand
• IAG takeover of Air Europa in peril as EU officials signal concern Commission tells airline proposed remedies still not enough to assuage competition worries over deal
• Airlines brace for end of revenge travel boomTicket price falls driven by surplus capacity raise fears the industry's post-pandemic surge is over

The Guardian

• Heathrow prepares third-runway blueprint for Labour amid record passenger numbersHeathrow is preparing to announce a fresh blueprint for a third runway for the Labour government’s approval as record passenger numbers “strain its system to the maximum”.
• Revealed: wealthy western countries lead in global oil and gas expansionA surge in new oil and gas exploration in 2024 threatens to unleash nearly 12bn tonnes of planet-heating emissions, with the world’s wealthiest countries – such as the US and the UK – leading a stampede of fossil fuel expansion in spite of their climate commitments, new data shared exclusively with the Guardian reveals.
• Ulez expansion led to significant drop in air pollutants in London, report findsChange equivalent to removing 200,000 cars for a year, with capital’s air quality improving at faster rate than rest of England

The Independent

• Heathrow third runway will go ahead, says airport boss – but expect bigger planes in the meantimeCEO of the UK’s busiest airport says short-term plan is to expand capacity by using larger aircraft

Times Online

• Heathrow passenger numbers soar to record 39.8 million. [subscription]Airport is gearing up for its busiest summer but faces challenges from rival European hubs
• Former ministers call for urgent approval of Lower Thames Crossing. [subscription]Britain’s “inability to deliver infrastructure at pace is holding our nation back”, five former transport ministers warned.

The Mirror

• Heathrow Airport sees record number of passengers in first half of year'Serving record-breaking passenger numbers while continuing to deliver excellent customer service is no easy feat and is testament to the dedication of my hardworking colleagues' - Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's chief executive

Local Government

• Mayor launches ’Merseyrail in Bloom’ initiative to make stations brighter, greener and more welcomingMayor Steve Rotheram has launched Merseyrail in Bloom, a new programme aimed at making the city region’s railway stations brighter, greener and more welcoming.
• Bedford Borough sign official contract for Wixams StationBedford Borough Council is proud to announce the signing of the official contract for Wixams Station, marking a significant milestone for the community.

Network Rail

• Shields Road bridge on track for completionOne of Glasgow’s busiest bridges is on track to re-open to traffic next month.
• Network Rail develops environmentally friendly sleeper technologyNetwork Rail’s Wales and Western region has developed a new type of sleeper – used on the railway to support the track – with environmental benefits.
• £5.2m upgrade complete for Tyneside’s ’world-first’ railway bridgeA year-long project to strengthen the iconic High Level Bridge which provides a vital road and railway link over the River Tyne is now complete.

London Evening Standard

• Rail strikes hitting London and other parts of Britain could be over 'quickly,' says Aslef union bossThe Aslef union, which represents train drivers, voiced optimism that a resolution could be found after a meeting with the Department for Transport on Tuesday.

Carlisle News & Star

• Workington station shortlisted at National Rail AwardsWorkington station is in the running to be named ’Small Station of the Year’ at the National Rail Awards.

Other Regional Press

• First Bus fares rise: Is Glasgow the dearest city?The recent fare increase announcement from First Bus in Glasgow will see passengers in the city paying some of the dearest prices in the UK.

Train Operators

• Great Western Railway marks World Drowning Prevention Day with special safety messages at stationsGreat Western Railway will mark World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) today by playing special safety messages at its stations near popular holiday destinations.

Rail Magazine

• Talks move train drivers' strike towards resolutionThe long-running train drivers’ pay dispute is likely to be resolved in the coming weeks, after both the Department for Transport and ASLEF hailed “constructive” talks.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Bus franchising assessment in North East England recommendedThe likelihood of bus franchising being introduced in North East England has risen after a report to the North East Combined Authority (NECA) recommended progression of a formal Franchising Scheme Assessment (FSA).
• Wrightbus appoints Jon Eardley to lead AllServiceOne businessJon Eardley has been named Managing Director for Aftersales and Telematics by Wrightbus fleet support arm AllServiceOne, and will lead that business.
• First Bus completes £750,000 Rochdale depot investmentFirst Bus has completed its £750,000 worth of workshop improvements at its depot in Rochdale.
• An operator’s journey into bus electrification – and its learningsWelcome back to Switched On, a series of articles helping operators to reduce the lifetime costs of running electric coaches and buses.

Transportxtra

• Putnam steps up at Network Rail to replace HendyNetwork Rail’s senior non-executive director Mike Putnam is now acting chair, taking over from Lord Peter Hendy, who has been appointed a Transport Minister in the new Government.

Other News Sources

• Transport chief warns of 600% bus fare hikes in North YorkshireTransport chief Keane Duncan today warned bus fares could increase by up to 600% in North Yorkshire at the end of the year. Fares are currently capped at £2 a journey thanks to a subsidy from the previous Conservative government.
• Interview with Björn Bender, CEO of Rail EuropeIn an exclusive interview with Travel And Tour World, Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, highlights how European railways are revolutionizing sustainable travel across the continent
• UK rail: Franchising is over, but what about infrastructure investment?Changes to the franchising system may reduce private sector involvement in one aspect of the UK’s railways, but it remains to be seen how the government will deal with rail infrastructure
• Rail operator’s ’talk cards’ prove a big hitHundreds of people have signed up for free cards introduced by East Midlands Railway, which aim to help customers quickly communicate what extra support or consideration they require when they travel.
• Cornwall Airport Newquay Wi-Fi upgrade from WildanetA faster Wi-Fi service has taken flight at Cornwall Airport Newquay, with Cornish broadband provider Wildanet leading the upgrade.