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

Wednesday, 24 April 2019

The Guardian

• Virgin Trains calls for airline-style fares and seating for allUnions say proposal is a ‘recipe for chaos’ and a ‘mirror of the deregulated bus market’

The Independent

• Virgin Trains tells passengers they must have reserved seats‘We believe we should import the airline model into the long-distance rail sector,’ says the train operator

Parliament

• Urgent question on the South Eastern rail franchise Sevenoaks MP, Sir Michael Fallon, asked the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, to give an update on the delay in awarding the South Eastern rail franchise.

City AM

• Transport for London redesigns priority Tube seats to help awkward commutersTube seats are getting a redesign to help London's commuters know whether to give up their perch to somebody standing.
• DEBATE: Is Sadiq Khan ultimately responsible for the ongoing delays to Crossrail?Keith Prince, GLA Conservatives’ transport spokesman, says YES. Londoners are all too familiar with this mayor’s penchant for passing the buck and blaming others for his mistakes. But when it comes to the Crossrail project, Sadiq Khan’s attempt to dodge accountability simply won’t wash.

Network Rail

• Significant milestone reached in Midland Main Line UpgradeA significant milestone in the Midland Main Line Upgrade has been reached as a brand new sub-station has been installed along the route.
• Residents and passengers thanked as railway upgrade work completed in South Wales The railway between the Severn Tunnel and Cardiff has reopened and train services between Bristol, Newport and Gloucester have resumed as normal, following the successful completion of a major phase of South Wales Mainline modernisation work.

London Evening Standard

• A first look inside Tottenham Court Road station shows there's still hope for Crossrail From gold ceilings to smart info boards, we have a first look inside Tottenham Court Road to see what’s coming down the line...
• Southern Rail delays: Commuters hit by severe delays between London and Gatwick as they return to workPassengers travelling between central London and Gatwick Airport are being hit by delays and cancellations because of a major signalling fault.
• Oyster card firm investigating how to jam smartphones to enforce quiet zones on Tube and trainsIT could signal the end of anger felt as fellow passengers blab into their mobiles and earphoneless
• Revealed: First look at London Underground makeover for priority seats on Jubilee line trainsPriority seats on the Underground are getting a makeover after research showed a quarter of passengers feel awkward about offering their chair to someone who might need it more.
• TfL chief 'will not quit' over diluted warnings to Mayor on Crossrail fiascoCity Hall today defended London's transport commissioner after he was urged to consider resigning in the wake of the Crossrail fiasco.

Other Regional Press

• ScotRail's fleet of electric trains roll into GlasgowRAIL links to and from Glasgow have received a boost after it was revealed new electric trains will be used on more city services.

Construction Enquirer

• Ex-Crossrail chief Wolstenholme wanted more bonus cash Former Crossrail chief executive Andrew Wolstenholme challenged a decision to withhold part of his bonus just months before it was confirmed the project would bust its budget and miss its opening date.

Other News Sources

• Passengers warned to plan ahead for 9-day train line closure over bank holidayTRAIN passengers are being reminded to plan ahead for a nine-day line closure over the second May Day bank holiday.
• £200m East Yorkshire rail manufacturing facility to create up to 700 jobs Rail transit company Siemens Mobility has officially submitted an application for a rail manufacturing facility to be built in East Yorkshire.
• National Express is flying high at London Stansted Airport - Essex-TVNational Express has been successful in retaining its contract to run air-side and land-side shuttle bus services for the transfer of passengers, staff and crew at London Stansted airport.