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

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Government

• Planning reforms to accelerate Falmouth Docks redevelopment... Falmouth Docks joins the Lower Thames Crossing as the latest major UK infrastructure project to benefit from the Lead Environmental Regulator scheme, in support of the government?s drive to streamline the planning process and get Britain building.

BBC News

• Multimillion-pound dock work 'to be fast-tracked'A ?150m project to redevelop deep water docks will be completed more quickly with a new approach to planning regulation, the government has said.
• Reopened railway station wins national prizeA railway station which was reopened after a 60-year gap has won a national competition. Ashington opened in December 2024 as part of the restoration of the Northumberland Line and has now been crowned Britain's most life-changing in the World Cup of Stations.
• Anger over delays on renationalised rail servicePassengers travelling on a renationalised rail service have voiced frustrations after service numbers were reduced.
• Refurbishment plans to make bus station saferPeople are being asked to share their thoughts on plans to refurbish a local bus station. Durham County Council said proposals to renovate Stanley Bus Station were intended to make the facility safer for passengers, as well as improve accessibility
• 'Golden ticket' to support planned return of busPlans are in place for a bus to return to a town centre, with a "golden ticket" support scheme from businesses.
• JLR supply chain firms surveyed on shutdown impactChambers of commerce want to know how businesses are managing after a cyber-attack led to a shutdown.
• Highland port to be expanded in upgrade planJapanese firm Mitsui says it will spend hundreds of millions of pounds on the Port of Nigg on Cromarty Firth.
• Flight path shake-up plan for 'outdated' 1950s airspace over ScotlandA consultation has opened into plans designed to reduce noise and cut emissions around Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

ITV News

• Buses to stop calling at Annan Bus Station following 'repeated vandalism'Busses will stop calling at a station in Dumfries and Galloway due to vandalism. It's after the windows of two vehicles were smashed when they were parked up at Annan Bus Station.

Financial Times

• African e-mobility company to raise $100mn in round led by AfreximbankSpiro set to accelerate production of electric motorbikes across Africa

The Guardian

• US investigates Waymo robotaxis over safety around school busesTop transport safety regulator to determine if self-driving vehicles failed to follow traffic laws for stopped buses

The Independent

• Call for new investment around rail stations to boost housing and growthThe Railway Industry Association cited the area around London's King's Cross and St Pancras stations as an example of what can happen.

Times Online

• FlixBus, the coach company with no coaches, eyes the No 1 slot [subscription]Five years ago the firm was not even a competitor with National Express but now its services criss-cross Britain. It says its tech-savvy approach helps hugely
• British start-up perfects electric car motors with no rare earths [subscription]Company spun out of project at Newcastle is set to sign deal with a ?tier one? automotive firm and its tech could be powering cars on the road in five years
• Why airlines overbook flights - and how to avoid it happening to you [subscription]Bumping is a common practice, with certain passengers and ticket fares more likely to be targeted. These are your rights if you get denied boarding at the airport

Local Government

• Cumberland Council Leads the Way on Bus Reform and Franchising in CumbriaCumberland Council, working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council, has successfully secured government funding to pilot new approaches to bus service delivery in Cumbria, including the potential introduction of bus franchising.

Birmingham Post

• Falmouth Harbour named among best-performing ports in UKIt was recognised by the British Port Association for its on-going sustainability drive

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Bradford needs transport links that match its ambition, says MPThis week's MP column comes from Bradford South MP Judith Cummins

Bristol Live

• Bus campaigners warn of looming cuts to services across wider BristolOne campaigner said the region needs an extra £15m 'just to stand still'

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Trespassing on Snowdon Mountain Railway is 'dangerous and damaging'A cyclist was recently spotted travelling down the railway. Even cars have been known to use the track

Yorkshire Post

• Railways can be the backbone of economic growth in the regionsInvestment in railway infrastructure is not just about faster or more frequent trains. It is about transforming neighbourhoods and spreading prosperity.

Cambridge News

• Passengers warned signalling upgrades will halt trains in Cambridge over ChristmasNetwork Rail says the upgrades will modernise the signalling system and allow it to be overseen more effectively

Carlisle News & Star

• Cumbria chosen for national rural bus transport pilotCumbria has been selected for a national pilot to improve public transport in remote communities.

Other Regional Press

• Hereford City Council's Zipper bus services hitting budgetHEREFORD will have to continue paying for buses that have not made any money until 2027, a councillor has said.
• ‘We need to get on with it’: MP presses for government cash to fix landslip roadAn MP has urged Kent County Council to move with haste to secure funding for a road devastated in a landslip more than two years ago.
• Rail passengers facing more disruption as work continues at two major stationsIt kicked off earlier this month

Train Operators

• Southeastern rolls out new 3D station maps to improve accessibility and boost passenger confidenceSoutheastern has announced a programme to update and improve the online maps for 139 stations across the Southeastern network.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Direct award within bus franchising is critical to SMEs, says groupDirect award power in Bus Services (No.2) Bill is key to preserve SME involvement in franchising

Other News Sources

• CPT calls for Government action to make it easier to hire bus and coach driversThe Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) is urging the Government to act swiftly to help fill driver shortages by removing two outdated barriers that are preventing new entrants from starting careers behind the wheel.
• York Park and Rides to become transport hubs with overnight parkingImprovements worth £4.25 million to York's Park and Rides including overnight parking aimed at tourists will make the sites work harder for users, the council's transport lead says.
• 'Bike buses' could soon spread through Surrey school runs if MP has her wayParents and staff at one Surrey junior school have been behind the push to get more youngsters cycling to school