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

Sunday, 18 October 2020

BBC News

• Croydon tram crash: Inquest postponed due to rising Covid levelsAn inquest into the November 2016 crash that killed seven will not start on Monday as planned.

The Scotsman

• Governments split on Borders Rail future as campaign to extend line continues on fifth anniversary of openingFive years ago, Queen Elizabeth II opened the largest new railway line project seen in Scotland for decades to a fanfare of excitement.

The Telegraph

• Serco plans to seize on failure of franchising with rail return [subscription]The attraction of fixed fees lures Serco back to UK transport after coronavirus kills off ‘bonkers’ old model

Daily Record

• JK Rowling Edinburgh Waverley poster triggers complaint battle with rail bossesNetwork Rail bosses received hundreds of messages after removing a poster backing the author’s controversial transgender comments.

Mail Online

• HS2 to fuel the Northern Powerhouse: Manchester Piccadilly and Airport will get two more stations for high-speed trains while extra northbound line will run to Crewe under proposed changesManchester's HS2 stations are today at the centre of proposals to boost connections between the high-speed railway and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Manchester Evening News

• All change at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport as proposed HS2 rail 'refinements' revealedThe announcement marks long-awaited progress on the western leg of HS2, transport bosses said, and confirms a link with the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail network

The York Press

• York station booking office "insult to travelling public"THE new booking office at York Station is an absolute insult to the travelling public. The old office, during busy periods,would have a staff of four or five assisting up to 30 to 40 travellers. The new kiosk appears to have facilities to accommodate a maximum of two staff and half a dozen members of the public.

Other Regional Press

• Borders Railway: Hopes of Carlisle extension hurt, says MPHOPES of a Borders Railway extension to Carlisle have taken a hit after the Scottish transport secretary blocked a review into cross-border transport.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Vital rail services protected through new deal with Arriva CrossCountryVital long-distance rail services that people the length of Great Britain rely upon will continue to run and support the UK’s recovery from coronavirus (COVID-19), thanks to a new contract signed between the government and Arriva CrossCountry. Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has announced today (16 October 2020) that Arriva CrossCountry, which has run the service since 2007, will continue to operate the franchise for 3 more years until October 2023. This will provide certainty for passengers and staff as the future direction of rail reform takes shape. As people return to the railway...

Railway Gazette

• Amsterdam – Wien sleeper train testingNETHERLANDS: Trial running has been completed for the operation of Nightjet sleeper trains between Amsterdam and Wien from the December timetable change, when Amsterdam will rejoin the network of European overnight trains for the first time since 2016.

Other News Sources

• Rail chiefs set to bring in full booze ban on all trains in ScotlandRail bosses are set to bring in a full booze ban on trains in Scotland as terrified staff reveal details of packed trains with drunk passengers swapping face masks.
• Letter from Southern Railway on police incidentBEHAVIOUR such as that reported in The Argus is absolutely unacceptable, and we understand how distressing it must have been for the lady involved (I felt angry and violated, says woman after ordeal on train, 7 October).