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

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

BBC News

• Passengers air views on 'cashless' bus trialBus passengers have expressed mixed views on whether bus travel should be 'cashless' after a scheme to encourage contactless payments was launched in Kent.
• Parents urged to help shape future of school busesParents and carers are being asked to share their views on the future of school bus services. At present, support for school buses varies across West Yorkshire's five local authorities.
• Rail disruption now set to last more than a weekBus replacements or diverted lines will be in place until Monday for some services.
• Tram link included in town's regeneration visionCouncil chiefs outline plans to revive Middleton, with a new cinema and tram line featuring in the vision.
• The record-breaking tunnel being built from Denmark to GermanyThe rail and road link will slash journey times between much of Scandinavia and continental Europe.

Financial Times

• Musk to prioritise Tesla over White House role as profits slumpElectric-car maker’s sales knocked by political ‘blowback’
• One-third of Lower Thames Crossing budget spent on planning documents More than £450mn used for obtaining permission for road tunnel scheme
• Ryanair takes advantage of oil price fall to lock in cheaper fuel costsLow-cost airline says US tariff turmoil has not affected bookings

The Herald

• Edinburgh Airport chief's words on Prestwick not to be sniffed atAs we await the outcome of a takeover approach for Prestwick Airport, a recent conversation with Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar came to mind.

The Scotsman

• SNP minister reveals timeline for Ardrossan port nationalisation to accelerate Glen Sannox upgradePurchase of harbour for main Arran ferry route seen as vital for its overhaul to go ahead to accommodate large new CalMac vessels

Times Online

• Can a transatlantic budget airline succeed? [subscription]Aspiring players such as JetBlue can look to the Far East for examples of operators that have made long-haul work at the cheaper end of the market
• Ministers failed to promote scrapping of peak rail fares, unions claim [subscription]RMT says SNP government was ?frightened? to properly advertise the trial scheme in case it was oversubscribed

City AM

• Heathrow is the world's most expensive airport, so why is it so bad?Heathrow has yet again to rank in the top 20 in the world's airport rankings. It's time for a complete regulatory overhaul to give Londoners the hub they deserve, says Nigel Wicking

Local Government

• Next stop Liverpool Baltic as £100m new station gets the green light!Trains will soon be arriving in one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods, after plans for the £100m Liverpool Baltic station were given the green light!

Bolton News

• Train operator toasts Spring First Class menu with new pale ale and wine selectionTransPennine Express (TPE) has a First Class treat in store for customers with the launch of its brand-new spring/summer menu — and there’s something special on tap for beer lovers.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• New station entrance opens at Mirfield following TRU upgradesOn Monday, 21 April, TRU completed a series of Easter Weekend upgrades across West Yorkshire, including changes to Mirfield station.
• Tram links and Bradford regeneration to be promoted at national eventA “CORRIDOR of opportunity” that includes Bradford and a planned tram system will be pitched to national and international investors at a major event next month.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• Debate: Are the Aberdeen bus gates worth defending in court?The Granite City's bus gates saga will be coming to court this year - but are they worth defending?

The York Press

• Sustainable Transport Corridor could create new green spacesEfforts to tackle delays facing buses in York could also free up space for new green spaces and seating, depending on the results of an upcoming consultation.
• Bid to tackle bus delays in York could also create new green spacesEfforts to tackle delays facing buses in York could also free up space for new green spaces and seating, depending on the results of an upcoming consultation.

Carlisle News & Star

• Number of people using the bus continue to rise in CumbriaThe number of people making journeys on the bus in Cumbria continues to rise year on year as public transport slowly recovers from the impact of the pandemic.

Oxford Mail

• Network Rail pledge on new Botley Road walkway completionNetwork Rail bosses are pledging to complete a new walkway for residents and pedestrians in the next few months.

Other Regional Press

• East Midlands Railway which serves Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough recovers nearly ?2 million from fare dodgersEast Midlands Railway (EMR) has recovered more than ?1.9 million from fare dodgers travelling between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
• Aberdeenshire Council announces new 10-year passenger transport strategyA local authority has announced an ambitious new 10-year passenger transport strategy.
• Telford builder McPhillips lands £10m contract to build major transport hubA Telford building firm has won a £10 million contract to build a major transport interchange in Hereford.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo and MASkargo to launch Global Cargo Joint BusinessQatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo and MASkargo (MASkargo) have unveiled plans to create a Global Cargo Joint Business, aiming to build a more connected and agile network that meets the shifting demands of international trade and logistics. The partners say their combined expertise and infrastructure will deliver substantial customer benefits by streamlining product offerings, boosting connectivity and cutting transit times.
• Network Rail submits fresh bid to ‘future ;proof’ Liverpool Street stationNetwork Rail has submitted a new application to redevelop London Liverpool Street station, aiming to make it “fit for the future” as passenger numbers are predicted to soar.

Construction News

• Cambridgeshire transport corridor to proceed in £168m frameworkCambridgeshire County Council has launched procurement for a £168m sustainable transport corridor between Cambourne and Cambridge.

New Civil Engineer

• £1bn A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme sees B1040 connection milestoneA section of the new A428 linking Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet has been opened to traffic following the completion of a bridge connecting the A428 with the B1040.

Rail Magazine

• Freight paths exist on East West Rail, Rail Minister confirmsRail Minister Lord Hendy has confirmed that freight will run on the East West Rail network.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• NewPower buses 'most efficient on the market' Wrightbus claimsAnalysis of real-world data confirms NewPower's battery-electric repowered buses offer class-leading range, according to manufacturer

Aviation Industry

• Sustainable aviation fuel explainedSustainable aviation fuel is a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, but challenges hinder its widespread use in aviation, an industry that contributes 2.5% of the world's CO2 emissions.

Other News Sources

• Could ferries run on air rather than diesel?Scientists are proposing a pneumatic propulsion system as an eco-friendly alternative to a diesel-powered ferry in Finland. Aside from its environmental benefits, the system has lower operational costs and a relatively short payback period.
• 'Public transport extensions could form part of a solution in reducing congestion'Eight candidates are standing in a by-election in Westbourne and Poets’ Corner for a seat on Brighton and Hove City Council on Thursday 1 May.