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

Monday, 10 February 2025

BBC News

• University to build new hydrogen propulsion labA new research facility aiming to unlock the promise of zero carbon fuels has secured planning permission at the University of Nottingham. The lab, on the Jubilee Campus in Wollaton, will enable research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for transport industries, officials said.
• Views sought on proposed upgrade for key junctionA transport body says it hopes to upgrade a critical junction on the A5 in Leicestershire.
• Next phase of £56.8m metro project under wayThe next phase of a project to provide coast-to-coast rail travel in Cornwall has begun.

Financial Times

• BMW bets on petrol cars as it warns of US ‘rollercoaster’ EV transitionGerman luxury-car maker to continue investing in combustion engine and hybrid technology alongside full EVs
• Tokyo Metro chief signals more fare increases after 28-year freezeOperator of feted subway system seeks to win over shareholders and cope with falling ridership

Times Online

• Doubts over Ferguson Marine shipyard's future [subscription]Financial statement says events or conditions could arise which may cast significant doubt on the group's ability to continue as a going concern
• Stop giving electric cars confusing names, makers urged [subscription]FCEV? MHEV? Don't even get campaigners started on self-charging hybrid
• FirstGroup battles to stay on track after rail renationalisation [subscription]As Labour sets about putting the rail network back into public ownership, Britain's largest train operator has embarked on a series of strategic investments
• Airlines demand changes at Heathrow before third runway is built [subscription]British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are among those calling for "wholesale reform" to bring down the costs
• TfL begins step-free upgrade works at Northolt stationConstruction work to build a new footbridge and lift at Northolt station will last until next summer.

Local Government

• Major transport scheme across B&NES launches consultation A wide-ranging transport project benefitting much of Bath & North East Somerset, which aims to improve travel choices, has launched its public consultation.

Network Rail

• Over half of adults would choose an apprenticeship if starting their career again, reveals new research from Network RailNew research from Network Rail* to mark National Apprenticeship Week has revealed over half of all respondents (51%) would consider an apprenticeship if they were to restart their career.

Birmingham Mail

• JLR reveals plan to pump millions into West Midlands site after 'growing demand' The car manufacturer announced the multi-million pound investment to meet growing demand from wealthy customers

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Huge crane in action as vital rail upgrade takes place in West YorkshireA programme of major infrastructure works took place over the weekend as a main railway line in West Yorkshire closed throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Bristol Live

• First steps towards Temple Meads transport hub takenThe first formal steps towards creating a major new transport hub at Temple Meads station have been taken under new plans recently submitted. Each week Bristol City Council receives dozens of planning applications seeking permission for a whole range of developments.

Kent Online

• Locals desperate for Eurostar to return to 'struggling' Kent town after five-year waitThey say their once-thriving town has become 'depressing'

Other Regional Press

• Former WWII airfield in Co Derry could become 'logistics hub' if Heathrow gets third runway, says MPThe ex military base was used by RAF Coastal Command in WWII and the British Army during the Troubles
• 20mph: Transport secretary Ken Skates updates on exemptionsTHE Transport Secretary has stressed the importance of "getting it right" when it comes to reverting 20mph roads back to 30.
• Major new scheme would transform transport across SomersetThe Somer Valley Links project is aimed at improving sustainable travel across the region

Train Operators

• New record for digital tickets on Northern train servicesThe number of customers using digital tickets on Northern trains has hit a monthly high - at over 70% (71.45%) of all journeys between 5 January and 1 February.

Rail Magazine

• DfT opposes eight out of nine open access applications citing revenue and performance concernsThe Department for Transport has opposed eight of the nine open access applications currently with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Shuttle Buses takes delivery of an Alexander Dennis Enviro100EVShuttle Buses has become the first independent operator to take delivery of a member of the Alexander Dennis next-generation battery-electric bus range with the arrival of an Enviro100EV.

RMT

• Southeastern failing to open ticket offices for hundreds of thousands of hoursNew analysis by RMT shows that Southeastern, the rail operator owned by the Department for Transport (DfT), is routinely failing to meet its obligations to keep ticket offices open during advertised hours.

Aviation Industry

• Heathrow airlines urge 'fundamental review' of 'spiralling costs' before third runwayThe bosses of British Airways owner IAG and Virgin Atlantic have joined forces to urge an 'urgent and fundamental review' of Heathrow by the Civil Aviation Authority amid government backing for a third runway.

Other News Sources

• Britain's railway to recruit 2,000 apprentices in its 200th anniversary yearTo mark National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), Britain's railway announced today that it plans to recruit 2,000 apprentices during its bicentenary this year, and at least 10,000 over the next five years.
• "I'm worried about Heathrow": Kingston and Surbiton MP on Heathrow's third runwayIn an exclusive interview with Kingston Nub last week, Kingston and Surbiton MP Ed Davey expressed his concerns about plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
• Airlines demand urgent review of Heathrow's costs before third runway approvalAirlines operating from Heathrow are urging the UK's aviation regulator to launch an immediate and comprehensive review of the airport's financial model, amid fears that carriersand ultimately passengers will bear the brunt of funding its multibillion-pound third runway.