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

Thursday, 12 June 2025

BBC News

• Fylde coast 'losing out' on transport investmentThe Fylde coast is losing out to big cities when it comes to investment in multibillion-pound transport projects, a councillor has claimed.
• No update to A66 dualling plan in Spending ReviewNo new details were announced in the Spending Review about the future of the A66, which runs across northern England.
• Railway bike rules change for charity cycle raceRailway operators will introduce restrictions on passengers bringing bicycles onto trains on Sunday due to a charity event.
• Spending review frustrates transport campaignersSome politicians, railway campaigners and residents in the South West have expressed disappointment following the Government's spending review on Wednesday.
• New stations in £445m 10-year Wales rail planFive new stations in Newport, Cardiff and Monmouthshire, plus upgrades in north Wales backed by Treasury.
• Up to 400 jobs at risk at Scottish bus maker Alexander DennisFactories at Falkirk and Larbert are under threat under relocation plans announced by Alexander Dennis
• Heathrow expansion 'essential' after busiest May More than 7.2 million passengers travelled through the airport's four terminals last month.

Financial Times

• BYD brings EV price wars to small cars in EuropeEU tariffs may limit discounting but Chinese carmakers will appeal to consumers with advanced technology

The Guardian

• Reeves pledges funds for northern rail but London left shortRachel Reeves committed to building a better railway across the north of England in a review that promised more transport investment around the country but left London disappointed.

The Herald

• Scotland flights ambitions of Edinburgh Airport chiefThe Scottish airport chief executive has revealed the major new routes he is targeting, in an exclusive interview: Edinburgh Airport's chief executive has highlighted China and India, and other Asian markets, as key targets for new routes.

The Independent

• Reeves set to extend £3 bus fare cap until 2027It will continue across England until March 2027 as the Government seeks to ease cost-of-living pressures on the public.

Times Online

• 400 jobs at risk as bus maker Alexander Dennis plans Scottish closure [subscription]Manufacturing facility in Falkirk would close if the company shifts all its operations to one site in England

Welsh Government

• Welsh Government responds to UK Spending ReviewExtra investment in coal tip safety and Welsh rail infrastructure has been announced, alongside more funding for the Welsh Government.

City AM

• Spending Review: Colossal £25bn for HS2 eclipses other transport pledgesHS2's colossal funding package eclipses all other railway investment pledges that Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her Spending Review.
• ‘I tried to warn them, but no one listened’ - one man's crusade against HS2 “History will not be kind to those who, if it is pursued, push through this silly scheme.” It is not far off a decade since Lord Framlingham decided to take drastic action against HS2, the deeply troubled high-speed rail project connecting London and Birmingham.

Daily Record

• Historic Scots bus manufacturer announces plans to close factories with 400 jobs at riskAlexander Dennis plans to shutter its factories in Camelon and Larbert with production centralised in England.

The Mirror

• Inside the new £400m UK train line that will never be used by normal passengersThe new £400million project, in the mountains of Neath Port Talbot, will have miles of railway tracks and station platforms - but it's not for everyday passengers

Birmingham Post

• Spending Review: West Midlands business leaders reactA commitment to support the Midlands Rail Hub, investment in AI and apprenticeship funding were all contained in the Chancellor's plans
• Spending review: North West business leaders react to support for tech and transportPeople of the region could benefit from 'high-value, future-facing jobs'
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces massive £25.3bn funding for HS2 in spending reviewChancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged billions to upgrade the Transpennine route and the East-West rail route, but HS2 is set to cost more than both combined
• Has Rachel Reeves fixed the problem of under investment in Welsh railThe UK Government has committed £455m of funding for rail improvements in Wales
• Completion date for first £100m phase of Cardiff CrossrailFollowing a public consultation exercise Cardiff Council has confirmed a number of changes for the new tram route from the city centre to the Bay

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Council leader says Northern Powerhouse Rail backing 'crucial to Bradford's success'Chancellor Rachel Reeves has made a series of transport announcements during her spending review - including at least two points with significant relevance to West Yorkshire.

Daily Post (North Wales)

• 'Bottlenecks' on North Wales rail line set be cleared by new rail fundingUK Government has confirmed where extra rail money going but Plaid Cymru said Wales is still not getting the funding it deserves

Edinburgh Evening News

• Maybe it's time to attract private investment into our rail networkHallelujah. There are real signs of progress with the plan to build a new railway station at Winchburgh and a planning application submitted to West Lothian Council.

London Evening Standard

• London 'short-changed' in Rachel Reeves' Spending Review despite bumper deal for TfLRachel Reeves was accused of 'shortchanging' the capital with little cash for infastructure, schools and policing

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Major update on £3 bus fare price cap with Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcementThe £3 cap on single bus fares was due to expire at the end of the year - but the government is set to extend the cost-of-living lifeline until 2027

Northern Echo

• A66: Scotch Corner to Penrith dualling project updateThe Treasury has issued an update on the £1.5bn A66 dualling scheme after the project wasn't mentioned by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the government's spending review today (Wednesday, June 11).

Wales Online

• Business Editor Sion Barry gives his verdict on Rachel Reeves' rail investment for WalesIn her Comprehensive Spending Review Chancellor Rachel Reeves made scant reference to Wales, but on addressing rail funding she was unequivocal.
• Major update issued on plans for £100m Cardiff tram networkCardiff Council said that following a public consultation it has implemented a number of changes to the scheme
• Welsh council makes surprising decision after reviewing all of its 20mph roadsThe decision has divided opinion
• Major update issued on plans for £100m Cardiff tram networkCardiff Council said that following a public consultation it has implemented a number of changes to the scheme
• Major road opens to traffic after most expensive upgrade in Welsh historyThe £2 billion project to upgrade the A465 Heads of the Valleys road began in 2002 and has now been fully completed

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• DONE WMCA: Mayor welcomes Spending Review?West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the Government's Spending Review backs his ambition to rebuild the region.

Cambridge News

• Cambs MP slams 'glaring omission' in Chancellor's Spending ReviewThe Chancellor of the Exchequer has been criticised by a local MP for not including the Ely Junction upgrade in transport funding pledged in today's Spending Review. Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambs, said that the project was a "glaring omission" in Rachel Reeve's financial presentation to the House of Commons.
• Greenway plans to improve cycling and walking links enter next phaseBarton Greenway will connect two key areas in the region

South Wales Argus

• Where are new railway stations being built in Newport?CHAMPAGNE corks will be popping at the Senedd, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she will spend an extra £445 million on the Welsh Government's vision for transport.

Other Regional Press

• Government commits £2.5bn for new Oxford-Cambridge railway lineChancellor Rachel Reeves confirms £2.5bn boost for Oxford-Cambridge railway, reigniting ambitious East West Rail plans
• The creation of 2,800 jobs with a planned new freight rail terminal in Lancashire is at the top of the agenda for Hyndburn's MP.
• Rishi Sunak disappointed over A66 upgrade omissionRishi Sunak has expressed his disappointment that the go-ahead for the upgrading of the vital A66 trans-Pennine road was not included in yesterday's Spending Review statement.
• Bournemouth MP welcomes bus fare cap but urges improvementA Bournemouth MP has welcomed the government's decision to cap bus fares at £3.
• New rail funding should benefit the Vale of GlamorganA politician is calling for a fair share of rail funding for the Vale of Glamorgan.
• Report to investigate proposed new railway station for NorfolkEfforts to build a new railway station are ramping up after a report identified a key target site for where it could be built.
• Warrington transport schemes get £33m funding boostWarrington Borough Council is set to benefit from a generous four-year transport funding settlement confirmed in today's Comprehensive Spending Review.
• Highland firm West Fraser rail plans recommended for approvalPlans for a new rail sidings yard to serve a major manufacturing firm are currently on track.
• Transport hopes and fears raised at Eden Project Morecambe community talkTransport offers, better use of existing facilities and improved train connections are being explored for the Eden Project Morecambe, bosses have said.
• Bus companies call 'bold' Oxford congestion charge plans neededOxford Bus Company and Stagecoach have praised Oxfordshire County Council for considering different options to deal with traffic in Oxford.
• Plans to drop speed limit of 'rat run' including A34 slip roadROAD safety concerns continue to be a problem among residents despite 20mph limits being in place for four years.
• Threat of busy level crossing closure 'unites' town, says key campaignerThe threat of London Road Crossing in Bicester closing to vehicles 'unites' the town, says a key campaigner.
• Oxfordshire council accused of imposing congestion charge on cityOxfordshire County Council have been accused of imposing a £5 congestion charge on the city without engaging with residents, businesses or Oxford City Council.

Bus and Coach Buyer

• £3 fare cap extended to March 2027Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has announced the £3 bus fare cap is to be extended to March 2027.

Bus-News

• UK: £3 Bus Fare Cap Extended to March 2027Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that England's 3 GBP bus fare cap will be extended through to March 2027.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• CILT UK respond to positive steps in government spending reviewThe Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT UK) has welcomed several significant statements from today’s spending review but adds more must be done to support future growth. Highlights - Extending the £3 bus fare cap will help the bus industry and passengers alike – ensuring the public continue using buses and see them as value for money. - Improving tram networks across the North and the West Midlands will help further boost local transport networks and attract more passengers towards trams. - Plans for a northern powerhouse rail from Liverpoo...

Highways News

• Heads of the Valleys Road, one of the UK's largest road projects, officially opensOne of the UK's largest and most technically challenging road projects has officially opened, completing the £2bn Heads of the Valleys Road upgrade programme helping to deliver better transport and fix our roads.
• Reigate MP launches cross-party Campaign for Better RoadsReigate MP Rebecca Paul has launched a new cross-party group in Parliament dedicated to improving the state of the UK's roads.

New Civil Engineer

• Spending Review: Transport for London 'grateful' for £2.2bn settlement and DLR boostTransport for London (TfL) has expressed gratitude to the government for the four-year, £2.2bn funding settlement from central government confirmed in the Spending Review.
• Cut to £200M funding for cycling and walking infrastructure ruled unlawfulThe decision to cut £200M of funding for cycling and walking infrastructure by the previous government in March 2023 was made unlawfully, according to a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

Rail Magazine

• HS2 Ltd wins court backing over Birmingham tunnel extensionHS2 Ltd has won a legal battle over its plans to extend the Bromford Tunnel, after a High Court judge ruled that it did not require new planning permission.
• First GBRf Class 99s arrive in the UK and expected in service by end of 2025The first two Class 99s arrived in UK on June 10 when they docked at Avonmouth after their journey from the Velim test track in the Czech Republic.

Railnews

• Union calls for abolition of open access The RMT is calling for all outstanding open access applications to be rejected, and for the existing operators to be nationalised. The call comes in response to new trading figures from FirstGroup, which owns Hull Trains and Lumo and is also due to launch open access services on two new routes over the next couple of years.
• Spending Review includes more rail investment Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a four-year funding settlement for Transport for London in her Spending Review. There will also be more investment in the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the Midlands Rail Hub, East West Rail and Welsh railways.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Spending Review: CPT reacts to bus fare cap extension newsThe Confederation of Passenger Transport has responded to reports that the bus fare cap scheme in England will be extended beyond the end of this year.
• £2.3 billion for transport awarded to LTAs in Spending ReviewLocal Transport Grant money for rural areas and smaller cities and towns could be used for bus projects

Transport Action Network

• Spending Review cuts active travel funding by 40%Confirmation of funding for city region tram, bus and rail projects already announced and for rail projects such as the Transpennine upgrade and East West Railway are all welcome. However, the 40% cut in Active Travel England's funding [2] shows why the Treasury needs reform.

Urban Transport Group

• Spending Review provides funding clarity to deliver vital local transport schemes and servicesThe Urban Transport Group has today responded to the Spending Review announcement made by the Chancellor.

Aviation Industry

• London's Heathrow Airport continues to set new passenger recordsHeathrow welcomed over 7.2 million passengers last month, with a strong late bank holiday making May 2025 another record breaker as the airport's busiest ever May.

Other News Sources

• Stansted Airport submits plans to increase capacityBOSSES at an Essex airport have submitted plans to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million over the next 20 years.
• Heathrow says record demand shows 'honest conversation' is needed on expansionHeathrow airport has called for 'an honest conversation' about expansion after another record month for passenger numbers.
• CPT responds to £3 bus fare cap extensionGraham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, responds to the Government's extension of the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027.
• Spending Review measures welcomed by business leaders - Midlands Rail Hub progess hailed as 'encouraging news'Business leaders have welcomed measures outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Spending Review, including progress for the Midlands Rail Hub.
• Spending Review - Transport Investment Fails to ImpressMaryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), today issued the following statement in response to the 2025 Spending Review
• Spending Review: Chancellor commits £2.6bn to decarbonise transportThe Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has committed to spending £2.6billion to decarbonise transport over the next three years in the UK's first multi-year spending review since 2021.
• UK government pledges £15bn for city region transport and record rail funding in 2025 Spending ReviewTransport Action Network director Chris Todd, while welcoming the confirmation of city-region projects, warned: "The 40% cut to Active Travel England's budget shows why the Treasury still needs reform. Active travel consistently delivers high returns we're concerned about poor-value road expansions like the Lower Thames Crossing."
• Efforts to build new railway station in King's Lynn are ramping upEfforts to construct a new railway station are ramping up after a report identified a key target site for where it could be built.