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

Monday, 25 August 2025

BBC News

• Street artist to transform new railway stationAshley Down station in Bristol, which closed 60 years ago, was re-opened in September 2024 after a £23m revamp.
• Why travellers are flying abroad for day tripsThe "massively expensive" public transport options in the UK and the state of the country's roads are prompting thousands to go on "extreme day trips" flying to another country and back in one day. But environmental charities warn that flying is the most carbon-intensive way to travel.
• Economist to advise mayor on £2.4bn transport planA leading economist who has worked on projects like HS2 has been brought in by the West Midlands mayor to advise on a multi-billion pound transport scheme.

The Guardian

• SpaceX scrubs Starship rocket launch to troubleshoot ‘ground systems’ issueElon Musk’s ambitious timetable for reaching the moon and conquering Mars left hanging in the balanceThe launch of Elon Musk’s gargantuan Starship space rocket was scrubbed late Sunday afternoon, with the billionaire entrepreneur’s ambitious timetable for reaching the moon and conquering Mars left hanging in the balance.SpaceX said it was standing down from the launch to “allow time to troubleshoot an issue with ground systems”, a post on social media read.

The Independent

• Nationwide bus strikes threatened over pay and conditionsBus drivers are threatening a series of nationwide strikes in disputes over pay and conditions.

The Telegraph

• Bus drivers threaten strikes over stress and pay [subscription]Bus drivers are threatening nationwide walkouts after disputes over pay and working conditions.

Times Online

• ScotRail's AI announcer Iona silenced after row with Rebus actress [subscription]Rail operator will replace the voice after Gayanne Potter complained her speech data had been 'stolen'
• Uber Trains to rival Eurostar in start-up's rail proposals [subscription]High-speed cross-Channel Uber Trains starting and terminating at Stratford in east London could become a competitor to Eurostar under applications to the rail regulator.

i News

• Ban passengers playing loud music on public transport, say ToriesThe Tories say they would change the law to so that nobody has to "endure somebody else's choice of crap music" while on the move.

Northern Echo

• North East MPs slam 'concerning' potential rail fares risesA North East MP has slammed regional train services for "not delivering for people" after it emerged ticket prices could rise again in 2026.

Other Regional Press

• Stratford Climate Action launch campaign aimed at highlighting issues with local bus infrastructureA NEW campaign has been launched by Stratford Climate Action (SCA) calling for improvement to the bus infrastructure around the town.
• New Taunton transport hub finally taking major step forwardUnder the current proposals, the new hub will include six bus stops

Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

• Exclusive preview of Sally Gimson's 'Off the Rails: the Inside Story of HS2' - S3 Ep20In her new book 'Off the Rails: the Inside Story of HS2', Sally Gimson meets with the politicians, engineers and ordinary people affected by the failure of HS2. Travelling from demolished council estates in Camden to ghost towns along the now cancelled northern branch, Off the Rails provides a forensic examination of how a vital social project imploded. Christian discusses in depth with the author the insights gained from her research, the lessons that the UK should learn and what needs to be done to bring the truncated project into service

Other News Sources

• Explore Wales' coastline by train with Rail to TrailTransport for Wales (TfW) is encouraging people to explore the Wales Coast Path by train as part of its 'Rail to Trail' campaign.
• South Rail Project Reduces Emissions by More Than Forty Per Cent on Bristol Parkway to Stoke Gifford Route with Green Materials and Sustainable Practices: Here Is The New UpdateA UK rail project has accomplished an impressive 42% cut in carbon emissions. This shows what is possible with sustainable practices when it comes to rail infrastructure. The trial conducted by South Rail Systems Alliance was done in Stoke Gifford by Bristol Parkway. The first phase of track renewal done in two weeks is an important milestone for the green agenda in rail construction. The work done is one step closer to a greener future for rail transport.
• Germany's train chaos: How did Deutsche Bahn go off the rails?Germany's railways are in crisis. Trains run late, tracks crumble and management looks away. Rail expert Christian Bôttger explains how the state-owned enterprise got so offtrack and why billions won't fix it.
• Step Back in Time: New Derbyshire Heritage Pass Offers Tourists Access to Historic Transport SitesTourists exploring the East Midlands can now take a fantastic journey through Derbyshire's transport past with the freshly launched Derbyshire Heritage Pass

News from Europe

• Upgrading and strengthening the rail infrastructure in Sweden and Norway with Hitachi Energy's autotransformersSweden and Norway are expanding and upgrading their national railway systems as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions from transportation and shift toward more sustainable mobility. Rail already accounts for a significant share of freight and passenger movement in both countries and plays a key role in supporting national and European climate targets.