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

Monday, 16 March 2020

BBC News

• Train companies seek bailout as coronavirus hits passenger numbersThe government is in talks with rail bosses to put emergency measures in place to deal with falling passenger numbers after the coronavirus outbreak.

Financial Times

• Khan seeks extra £650m to fund Crossrail overrunsLondon mayor wants to renegotiate £2bn of existing loans with government to ease cash flow

The Guardian

• Investigation reveals number of 'ghost trains' lying idle in BritainChannel 4’s Dispatches reveals carriages that could be used on busy commuter routes are sitting still in depotsAt a time of rising fares and growing passenger dissatisfaction, an investigation has revealed that thousands of unused trains are standing idle in rail sidings and depots across the country.According to industry experts, the unused “ghost trainsâ€� worth at least £3bn and containing over 110,000 seats are being stored across at least half a dozen sites, including Crewe, Worksop, Ely and Long Marston. Continue reading...

City AM

• HS2: Transport department defends top civil servant over transparency rowThe Department for Transport (DfT) has denied its top civil servant broke the civil service code of conduct as she faces accusations she withheld information on HS2’s budget blowouts.
• Railway industry in talks with government over emergency coronavirus measuresThe government is in talks with the rail industry over a range of steps to protect franchises against falling passenger numbers due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Network Rail

• Southend rail services return as speed restriction liftedSouthend rail passengers are able to catch their usual train from Monday 16 March after a speed restriction at Maryland, near Stratford, was lifted.

Bristol Live

• Temple Meads works won't be finished until MayIf it runs into June it will be a full THREE YEARS

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Disabled passenger furious amid claims wheelchair user refused travel as carriage was 'too full'Doug Paulley,42, was travelling on an LNER service from Newcastle to York when he claims a fellow wheelchair user was left waiting on platform as luggage occupied the wheelchair space on the train

Other Regional Press

• Coronavirus Kent: Commuters will be able to claim refunds for season tickets if told to work from homeCommuters using Kent's trains will be able to claim refunds for season tickets - if they've now been instructed to work from home.
• Railway line reopens after huge landslipA landslip which left a stretch of railway dangling in mid-air has been repaired and the line has reopened.
• Calderdale rail services to be scrutinised by council boardA panel of Councillors will be discussing the key issues and challenges that are currently facing rail in Calderdale.

Other News Sources

• What travel companies such as Stagecoach, GWR and CrossCountry are doing to combat spread of coronavirusThe latest statements from bus, train and airport authorities running services used by Gloucestershire travellers
• How to protect yourself from coronavirus during your train commute South Western Railway has issued advice on how passengers can help prevent the spread of the virus