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

Saturday, 01 August 2020

BBC News

• Coronavirus: Heritage railways in 'precarious' situationOne heritage railway has lost
• Chris Packham loses bid for legal challenge over HS2Chris Packham's attempt to challenge the government's approval of HS2 fails in the Court of Appeal.

Financial Times

• ONS recognises full nationalisation of the UK railwaysMove by statistical agency came after train operators received coronavirus bailout
• EU approves Alstom-Bombardier deal to create train-making giantAcquisition of Bombardier’s rail unit is one of the largest transactions to be cleared by Brussels this year

The Guardian

• ONS says UK rail has effectively been renationalised during pandemicChange in classification, to be backdated to 1 April, prompts dispute between unions and operatorsTrain companies have been effectively renationalised on a temporary basis, the UK statistics body said on Friday, prompting a dispute between trade unions and private operators over rail ownership.The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown forced the government to take emergency steps to prop up train companies by assuming the financial risk of rail franchises, after passenger numbers dwindled almost to nothing. Continue reading...
• Chris Packham loses appeal against HS2 rail projectEnvironmentalists say the impact of the project will lead to irreversible damageThe broadcaster Chris Packham has lost his case against HS2 in the court of appeal.Environmentalists say the high-speed rail project is leading to irreversible destruction of ancient habitats and woodlands. Continue reading...

Sky News

• Couple lose fight against HS2 as 17th century home to be demolishedA couple's 17th century home is set to be demolished after they lost a seven-year battle with the government's flagship rail project HS2.

Birmingham Post

• Hull Trains to restart direct services to LondonServices from East Yorkshire were suspended in March due to coronavirus pandemic
• Alstom takeover of Bombardier approved by EU regulatorsEuropean Commission’s decision opens way to create world’s second largest train-maker

Bolton News

• Plans to reopen ELR delayed by new coronavirus restrictionsPLANS to reopen the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) have been stopped in their tracks due to the new coronavirus restrictions.

East Anglian Daily Times

• Iconic railway museum ‘hit hard’ by crisis reopensThe popular East Anglian Railway Museum, which provides a living record of the region’s transport history, has reopened after being “hit hard” by the Covid-19 crisis.

Other Regional Press

• Chris Packham's bid to challenge government over HS2 thrown outCHRIS Packham has lost a Court of Appeal bid to bring a legal challenge against the government over the controversial HS2 rail scheme.

Other News Sources

• Bluebell Railway's magical steam train rides return after almost going under due to coronavirusHere's how to book a vintage train trip and what safety measures you can expect to find on board