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

Saturday, 16 August 2025

BBC News

• Rail closure will be 'worth it in the long run'Network Rail has said the imminent 10-day closure of a rail line that runs between Surrey and Kent will be "worth it in the long run".
• Old Metro trains recycled for scrapFormer Tyne and Wear Metro trains are being recycled for scrap, on the 45th anniversary of the opening of the network.
• Listed iron footbridge is knocked over by trainA Grade II listed footbridge has been damaged after being hit by an engineering train on a heritage line.
• Business groups oppose 60 to 50mph speed limit planBusiness groups in the north of Scotland say they have serious concerns about proposals to reduce the speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60 to 50mph.
• Ribbon cut on new £33m transport hubThe ribbon has been cut on a £33m transformation of a transport hub, which closed a major junction for three-and-a-half years.
• VW introduces monthly subscription to increase car powerThe German car-maker says its "optional power upgrade" is designed to give customers more choice.
• EasyJet planes clip wings at Manchester AirportThe aircraft, bound for Paris and Gibraltar, clip wings while taxiing at the airport.

The Guardian

• Manchester airport suspends flights after easyJet planes collideTwo aircraft clipped wings as they taxied to runway for takeoff, with no reports of injuries

The Independent

• Air Canada flight attendants go on strikeA union representing more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants says they are on strike after a deadline to reach a deal passed

The Telegraph

• Jaguar Land Rover threatens to sue National Rail over 'ranger and rover' ticket namesIndian-owned carmaker claims rail companies' use of the decades-old phrase infringes its 'Range Rover' trademark

Times Online

• Inside the rail franchise that hasn?t had a cancellation in 100 yearsAs the Manchester Model Railway Society celebrates its centenary, we meet the members keeping the hobby alive
• How Lime electric bikes aim to stay ahead of the competition [subscription]The market leader has tens of thousands of its bright green bikes on the streets of London but a handful of nimble rivals are catching up fast

i News

• New bat tunnel controversy and millions on unused trains: The East West rail fiascoPlan that would eventually see direct trains from Oxford to Cambridge is already running more than seven years late and faces similar opposition to HS2

The National

• Train station renamed after Taylor Swift album announcementA SCOTTISH train station has temporarily rebranded itself to celebrate Taylor Swift's upcoming album.

Network Rail

• £2.9m platform upgrade completes at Hillington WestNewly upgraded platforms at Hillington West station will fully reopen this Sunday following the completion of a major £2.9 million improvement project.

Birmingham Mail

• Midlands roads where drivers will face new fines for breaking rules - and it's not speedingNew cameras will be going up to monitor traffic on West Midlands roads

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Metro train fire at Cullercoats station referred to rail watchdogNexus have reffered the incident to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)

Yorkshire Post

• How the new Great British Railways (GBR) risks morphing into the old failed British Rail (BR) - Tony LodgeBritish railway history is littered with memorable dates and anniversaries. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the world?s first passenger railway between Stockton and Darlington.
• Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Date set for much-anticipated funding decision on £150m projectThe South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has set a date for Oliver Coppard's decision on funding for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can confirm.
• Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Transport Secretary says there is a 'good case' for reopeningThe case to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport is 'really strong', the Transport Secretary has said, before confirming that she 'stands ready' to make sure the project is a success.

Other Regional Press

• Greater Anglia sets up new customer committee for West Anglia line passengersGreater Anglia has launched a new customer committee on its West Anglia line through Stansted, Sawbridgeworth and Bishop's Stortford.
• Free bus pass rule change for over 70s who will face four new checksLocal authorities and councils will make pass holders reconfirm their eligibility under a shake-up in some towns and cities

Railway-News

• Celebrating 200 Years of Rail: Supporting the Railway 200 Exhibition TrainWeighwell Engineering Ltd is proud to support the landmark Railway 200 celebrations. Our role involved weighing a Mark 3 Generator Van, which plays a pivotal role in supporting Inspiration ? the exhibition train that honours 200 years of railway history.

Other News Sources

• Leeds Bradford Airport appoints aviation director - will support Vision 2030 growth strategyLeeds Bradford Airport has appointed a new aviation director as it seeks to grow annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by the end of the decade.
• Devon County Council joins Stagecoach in call for fair rural transport fundingDevon County Council is calling on the Government to recognise the unique challenges faced by rural areas in providing and funding essential services, including public transport.
• Deprivation and transport density linked to increased suicide risk in EnglandA first of its kind study, led by researchers at Imperial College London, UCL and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), looked at suicide trends in England from 2002 to 2022 combined with the influence of local socio-environmental factors on risk.
• Lunchtime launch: Tackling poverty by improving access to transportJoin the Bevan Foundation as we explore how to make sure net zero plans for transport put opportunities for people experiencing poverty and hardship at their core