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

Sunday, 08 June 2025

BBC News

• The long road to get 'Motorway City' on track with tramsRegarded as the largest city in western Europe without a mass transit system, Leeds has tried and failed over decades to devise and implement an efficient way to keep its residents mobile. After more than £2bn was pledged for public transport infrastructure in West Yorkshire, we look back at the previous plans which hit the buffers.
• Travel warning as 11 day Severn Tunnel works startPeople using the railway network around the West of England are being warned of disruption as "vital" work to the Severn Tunnel's overhead power lines is due to start.
• Union warns airport strikes could hit summer holidaysUnite said an imminent resolution to disputes with five companies is necessary to prevent the threat of strikes.

Financial Times

• Passengers flying cattle class need caviar tooSpare a thought for those of us stewing in ever more unpleasant juices at the back

The Guardian

• ‘Cleaner, greener and absolute reliability’: trams make UK comebackPioneering light-rail tech poised to revamp network after chancellor announces £15bn transport boostIn a sidestreet in central Coventry, a possible vehicle of the future has been making its first public foray: a 60-seat, battery-powered miniature tram. On smooth, almost silent, test runs, its pioneering wheel system allows it to round the corner without slowing – a small bend for this tram but a sharp turning point for tramkind.

Local Government

• One in five rural bus routes have vanished despite pledges of a 'bus revolutionOne fifth of 'lifeline' bus routes serving residents in county and rural areas have disappeared over the last five years despite pledges of a bus revolution, as analysis reveals the extent that these areas have lost out to cities and towns for much-needed funding.

Birmingham Post

• Northern Rail has 'no plans' to replace fax machines with modern techThe rail operator stunned commuters in October 2024 when it emerged the firm still uses faxes to communicate between staff - and they still have no plans to replace them

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Bradford Bulls back Rail Campaign for new train stationBRADFORD Bulls has confirmed its backing of a campaign that is bidding to improve public transport in and out of the city.

Wales Online

• £140m revamp of Cardiff Central railway station is 'money well spent' - but don't mention the coach terminalThe revamp will see changes made to the foyers, subway, front and back of the building - as well as a new building constructed at the west wing

Carlisle News & Star

• Transport investment announced as new Carlisle train service unveiledNew rail services between London and central Scotland stopping at Carlisle are expected to launch in mid-2026.

Other Regional Press

• New trains set to serve Watford Junction and Bushey stations from MondayNew trains are being introduced on services that run through Watford Junction and Bushey stations from next week, London Northwestern Railway has confirmed.
• Oxford Bus Group supports plans to tackle 'devastating' city trafficOxford Bus Group has welcomed Oxfordshire County Council’s announcement that it would develop plans to tackle congestion.

Rail Advent

• GB Railfreight modifying 12 Class 66sFreight operator GB Railfreight (GBRf) is modifying 12 of its Class 66s with different gear ratios to enable them to increase their power output.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• London bus fleet passes 2,000 zero-emission vehicles milestoneWrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner with Transport UK London Bus is ceremonial 2,000th example

TaxiPoint

• LTDA Chairman criticises lack of London taxi support compared to northern cities Perry RichardsonThe Chairman of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) has criticised London's leadership for failing to support the capital's taxi trade, drawing comparisons with stronger political backing in northern cities.

Other News Sources

• Should Virgin Atlantic Open a Hub in Edinburgh?Virgin Atlantic will officially boost flights between Edinburgh and Orlando by 5,000 seats, providing passengers more access to Florida's busiest theme parks. With this recent schedule boost, it makes me wonder if Virgin Atlantic should open a hub at the Scottish capital.
• An end to 'postcode lottery' on the busesYEARS of neglect which resulted in passengers enduring unreliable and infrequent bus services will finally be put right according to a Barnsley MP who has backed a landmark move.
• 'Every part of the West Midlands' set to benefit from transport fundingMayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, has promised every part of the region will benefit from £2.4 billion in transport funding.