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

Sunday, 17 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".
• Riding school to close over ring road uncertaintyAn equestrian centre has announced its closure after 50 years because of ongoing uncertainty about a road upgrade scheme nearby. York Riding School's owners are retiring but said they have struggled to find a buyer for the business on Wigginton Road because the prospect of the Outer Ring Road development, which would take away some of its land, has made the site "unattractive" to investors.

STV

• ScotRail rolls with it in busiest 2025 week as Oasis fans flock to EdinburghThe rail operator said it carried almost two million passengers in the week the band put on three sell-out concerts in the capital.

The Independent

• British Transport Police cuts will endanger railway staff, union warnsThe RMT said frontline workers would be left exposed to anti-social behaviour and violence.

Times Online

• First-class rail is going out of fashion, but I'm all aboard [subscription]If we want discomfort we can drive or fly. Trains offer the opportunity for a few hours of exquisite comfort

Birmingham Mail

• HS2 completes massive 749-metre river realignment project near BirminghamThe high-speed rail project has realigned 749 metres of the River Cole near Coleshill to build two new viaducts and a series of railway embankments

LBC

• RMT warns cuts to British Transport Police would 'seriously endanger' safety of railway staffBritain's largest rail workers' union is warning of cuts to the British Transport Police (BTP), saying they would "seriously endanger" the safety of railway staff.

Metro

• Virgin orders 12 new high-speed trains in biggest challenge to Eurostar yetVirgin has cranked up its game in the race to end Eurostar's decades-long monopoly of Channel Tunnel rail services.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Calls for major bus pass change for disabled passengersThe petition has gained almost 800 signatures from people who believe the change could 'independence, social inclusion, and increased productivity'

Wales Online

• The hour-long train journey in Wales that will take your breath awayThe Vale of Rheidol Railway has been in operation for 122 years and takes you deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and to one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the whole of Wales

Yorkshire Post

• Local leaders cannot overlook the climate crisis in deliberations over re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport - Chris BroomeDiscussions over the re-opening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport have been dominated by its commercial prospects and especially the risks to the ever-growing sums of public money being committed. The regional authority (SYMCA) and City of Doncaster Council are continuing with financial assurance work.
• Call for MoD to pay towards Catterick transport infrastructureThe Ministry of Defence (MoD) should contribute towards improved transport links as it continues to expand a North Yorkshire military base, a councillor has claimed.

Other Regional Press

• New train station bid requires urgent support from water companyThe leader of the Green Party in the region has suggested that the train station scheme is linked to Thames Water's Abingdon reservoir proposal.
• The London Underground station designed so daylight reaches the platformsMany London Underground stations are notorious for their claustrophobic feel and harsh artificial lighting. Yet, one station shines as a literal beacon of light due to its futuristic design that allows natural light to penetrate the platform, 10 metres below ground.
• c2c timetable changes to mean slower east London train journeysThe c2c train timetable will face temporary changes from next week, including speed restrictions.
• EV drivers 'enjoying greater range confidence than ever before', transport secretary says on Caithness visitScottish Government support is helping to give motorists greater confidence in the long-distance capabilities of electric vehicles, the transport secretary said during a visit to Caithness.
• London public transport ranked 5th best in world - here are all the cities that beat itThe iconic red double deckers and the - relatively - new Elizabeth line were all highlighted as massive advantages of using public transport in London
• Thames Water urged to support new Oxfordshire train stationThames Water urged to support new Oxfordshire train station
• MP calls for use of discretion with home-to-school transport policyAn MP has called on North Yorkshire Council to use discretion to limit the impact of its unpopular new home-to-school transport policy.
• Highland Council and NHS Highland drive forward plans for stronger community transport networkCommunity transport providers from across the Highlands met in Inverness this week to join forces with Highland Council and NHS Highland, setting out plans to improve services for local communities.
• Historic rail bridge severely damaged after train collisionA GRADE II-listed Victorian footbridge that was only restored six years ago has been damaged after being hit by an engineering train on the Dean Forest Railway heritage steam line.

British Trams Online

• Coventry City Council celebrate the success of the Very Light Rail demonstrationWith the Coventry Very Light Rail vehicle now having moved to Alcester for the next stage of its development, and plans being progressed for a longer demonstration line in the future, Coventry City Council have been reflecting on the success of the initial demonstrations runs. Running in May and June 2025 this saw a 220 metre line built in Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road with good feedback provided by those lucky enough to secure a ticket to ride.

Rail Advent

• TransPennine Express passengers can now donate Delay Repay compensation to the RNLIA few months ago, Transpennine Express and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) began a new partnership.