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

Thursday, 09 February 2012

BBC News

• Decrease in railway cable theftsCable thefts on the West Midlands railway network have fallen, latest figures show.
• Olympic pay deal for Virgin staffVirgin Trains is to pay staff a £500 bonus for working during the Olympics after negotiations with union chiefs.

Financial Times

• Freight network chief rails at Europe systemPassenger focus of the continent™s railways is an obstacle to the development of cross-border rail haulage, says DB Schenken head

The Herald

• Signalling staff plan two fresh strikes in jobs rowRAIL signalling workers are to stage two fresh strikes in a row over career progression amid claims that talks with management have broken down.

The Independent

• Rail signal staff to strike again Rail signalling workers are to stage two fresh strikes in a row over career progression following the breakdown of talks, it was announced today.

The Telegraph

• ID will be required from anyone selling scrap metalA trial of the scheme in North East England has proved such a success that it will be extended to other parts of the country, before going nationwide, a British Transport Police source said.
• More misery for Heathrow passengers as train drivers threaten strikeHeathrow passengers are facing the threat of fresh disruption with train drivers on the airport's express service voting in favour of a strike.

Other Regional Press

• Call to boost rail servicesAN assurance that no train stations in Glasgow will be closed has been demanded by transport bosses.

Global Rail News

• RMT ˜secures™ Olympics payment for Virgin rail staffThe RMT said it has ‘secured a £500 Olympics and Paralympics payment’ for Virgin Trains staff. The union also said the package ‘will see wages and allowances rise by 4.6% or £950′ from April. Staff will also get one extra day of leave for the Queen’s Diamond jubilee. Negotiations with London Underground are continuing after [...]
• Network Rail awards Birse Metro London Bridge contractNetwork Rail has awarded Birse Metro, part of Balfour Beatty Rail, a contract as part of the redevelopment of London Bridge station. As part of Key Output 2 for the station’s remodelling works, a series of enabling works must be completed in advance of the main redevelopment. Birse has been named as the Multi-Utility Contractor [...]
• New rail operator boosts security on its networkGreater Anglia has said it has already ‘doubled the numbers of safety and security staff’ on its rail network after taking over the franchise from National Express East Anglia. The train operator said it wants to ‘ensure customers feel assured of safe travel’. The additional Making Travel Safe Officers (MTSOs), or Enforcement Officers, will be [...]

Railnews

• Opening date confirmed for King's Cross concourse Network Rail has confirmed that the western concourse at London King's Cross, which is part of a £400m development, will open next month. The company has also announced the names of the retailers who will open units in the new concourse.

Other News Sources

• Updated: Gatwick Station death man "was tasered" The station concourse at Gatwick Railway Station has been closed this morning after a man died.
• First Great Western to 'refresh' first classTrain operator plans summer upgrade of service to tempt business travellers