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

Wednesday, 21 October 2026

BBC News

• Train firms urged by city's MPs to go all-electricTwo Hull MPs have written to train companies operating in the area urging them to buy battery-powered trains the next time they invest in new rolling stock.
• Scrap first class on trains, say councillorsOpposition politicians are urging rail bosses to scrap first-class rail tickets on rush-hour services. Liberal Democrats on Stevenage Borough Council say the move would reduce overcrowding on Thameslink and Great Northern trains.
• Bid to reduce council's ?45m school transport billPlans are under way to reduce a county council's ?45m annual school transport bill in the face of growing demand.

The Guardian

• European air fares could rise by as much as 20% in 2027, Ryanair boss predictsConflict in Middle East is pushing jet fuel costs higher and many carriers are not hedged against such increases, Michael O’Leary saysRyanair’s chief executive has predicted a record increase in European air fares next year, as airlines grapple with fuel bills pushed higher by the Middle East conflict.Many carriers are not hedged against rising jet fuel costs, Michael O’Leary said, which he predicted would lead to airline bankruptcies and takeovers. He forecast these pressures would result in the price of plane tickets rising by as much as 20%.

The Telegraph

• The sad story of London?s great lost railway station [subscription]There are few worse railway stations than Euston, but this unlovely terminus was once a rival to New York?s Grand Central

Times Online

• New ferry link proposed between Aberdeen and Iceland [subscription]Talks are under way for a ferry from Aberdeen to Seydisfjordur in eastern Iceland, reviving a North Atlantic connection that endured for 150 years

Conservative Home

• Nick Biskinis: Cleverly must back Heathrow?s third runwayFlying into London Heathrow Airport is, depending on the direction and runway used, one of the great sightseeing treats in the world. As the plane stacks and circles over the metropolis, you can marvel both at the dramatic urban splurge of London with its tapestry of buildings, railways and parks with the classic horizon of Central London once your aircraft is cleared for its final approach. It is not uncommon to hear the silent awe in the cabin as passengers on the right side of the plane gaze unflinchingly at the window kaleidoscope.

Local Government

• Plan to improve sustainable transport in west Oxfordshire is approvedA plan to create a healthier, better connected and more sustainable future for Witney, Carterton and the surrounding area over the next 25 years has been approved.
• ?19bn lost from England?s economic growth, as poorer transport, jobs and infrastructure holds back counties and rural areasShire counties and rural areas? economies could have been ?19bn bigger if they had matched national growth ? with poorer public transport and a lack of infrastructure and high-paid jobs holding back their potential, a new report finds.

Bristol Live

• Bristol's expansion beyond the M4 takes first formal step forwardThe 'Ecotech Village' would extend the city's urban limit over the motorway for the first time
• Electric 'flying taxi' edges closer to reality as Bristol aircraft maker strikes major dealsVertical Aerospace could soon move from design and testing to commercial production

London Evening Standard

• London rail revolution set to see international trains run from second station within four yearsLord Sadiq Khan is forging ahead with plans which could see international trains stopping at Stratford International Station within four years, The Standard can reveal.
• London transport users face ?100 fines for blasting out music - but minister admits no 'bus police' to enforcePeople who play music out loud on buses could face ?100 fines in a crackdown on antisocial behaviour

Manchester Evening News

• The wasteland around Rochdale train station is finally being put to useThe regeneration around the railway station is part of a wider vision to improve the flow of the down and drive investment

The York Press

• York student invents device to stop rats damaging railwaysA student?s engineering solution is saving Network Rail more than ?1 million in rail delay costs.

Other Regional Press

• ?2m shore power plan to cut noise at Stourbridge stationA ?2 million investment is being promised to reduce overnight noise at Stourbridge Junction railway station after complaints from residents being kept up at night.
• Northumberland Council considers ending free faith-based school transport for new pupilsNorthumberland County Council is seeking the views of parents and carers on proposed changes to its school transport policy.

Centre for Cities

• Mayors want better transport infrastructure. Here?s how Government can help them build itWith approval first secured in 1993, many expected trams in Leeds to be running within a decade. But in 2026, they are inexplicably further away than 30 years ago. With the latest delay, West Yorkshire won?t have trams until the late 2030s.

Bus and Coach Buyer

• Transport Made Simple appoints Steve Wickers as Group Managing DirectorFormer First Eastern Counties MD and Norfolk County Council BSIP lead takes the helm as Peter Nathanail moves to Chairman.

Business Live

• Electric 'flying taxi' closer to reality as major deals agreedVertical Aerospace has struck up long-term agreements with two international firms

Railnews

• Modernised Bradford Interchange to be built The station at Bradford Interchange is to be rebuilt, replacing a structure which dates from the 1970s. Interchange is one of two stations in the city centre. It was opened in 1973, replacing the larger Bradford Exchange, and includes a bus station. It is now used by intercity services as well as local and regional trains.

road.cc

• Active travel has been weaponised claims Welsh transport minister, who criticises lack of strategy behind previous government cycling fundingThe Welsh transport minister says ?there?s been a weaponisation of active travel? by political opponents, whilst previous government policy towards encouraging more people to walk and cycle has lacked strategy.

Other News Sources

• Volunteers clear historic platform at Frome stationA historic platform at Frome Railway Station has been cleared of overgrown weeds as part of a clean-up effort.
• Bus and coach industry launches landmark charter to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls, and calls for national system to report harassment and anti-social behaviourThe bus and coach industry will ... launch a major new charter to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) and anti-social behaviour (ASB) on public transport, alongside a call for Government to introduce a national system allowing passengers to report incidents in real time.
• Government sets out taxi licensing reform plans in response to Transport Committee reportThe Government has published its response to the Transport Committee?s report on taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing, confirming plans for a draft Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles Bill and setting out its position on a series of recommendations aimed at improving consistency, safeguarding, enforcement and accessibility across the sector.