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

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

BBC News

• 'Stunning' finds on Scotland's earliest railwayArchaeologists uncover three wooden railways, each one laid immediately on top of the last, on the Tranent Waggonway.
• Northern line extension: Two new Tube stations openThe Northern line extension serves new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.

The Guardian

• Khan and Shapps try to put differences aside as Northern line extension opensLondon mayor and transport secretary talk up teamwork for project that has come in under budget and on time

The Independent

• Bakerloo Line extension and Crossrail 2: How London’s transport networks could expand even moreThe map of the London Underground has gained a new branch and two extra stations.

The Telegraph

• HS2 is worse value for money than improving existing rail network [Subscription]The economic benefit of investing in the UK's existing railways outstrips the returns from High Speed 2, according to a new report seized on by critics of the near-£100bn project.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• ‘There is an opportunity to build a New North after the pandemic’ say region’s leadersThe future of transport in the north will be discussed in a meeting today with the region's political and business leaders.

Bristol Live

• Bristol Temple Meads train disruption expected as major works near completionA number of train services will be affected

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Snowdonia project to start in weeks will see roads and rail dug up and cause years of disruption The cables between the Dinorwig power plant in Llanberis and an electricity substation several miles away are to be replaced after 40 years of use

Northern Echo

• LNER plans to cut opening hours at ticket offices in Darlington and DurhamCONCERNS have been raised about passenger safety and accessibility following proposals to cut the opening hours of ticket offices at railway stations in the region.

Wales Online

• Drugs and weapon crime increases increase by 60% on Wales' railway networkThe increase is a mark of successful policing according to British Transport Police

Carlisle News & Star

• Andy Burnham calls for cheaper bus and train fares in NorthBUS journeys in the North of England should cost no more than £1.55, with a cap on the maximum you can spend.

Other Regional Press

• Tory MP’s dig at Labour council in HS2 debateTORY Alexander Stafford couldn’t resist a dig at Rotherham Council as he spoke out against HS2 in parliament.
• Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen wants full debate in Commons over future of HS2Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen is set to request a full debate in the House of Commons over the future of HS2 - which he says has pushed up the cost of housebuilding and is damaging “more worthwhile” infrastructure projects.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Plans for £2B investment in tram, rail, bus and cycling set out in Government funding bidThe West Midlands Metro network will be extended in Walsall, Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton under a plan to “revolutionise” transport across the region.    Further investment would see rail stations opened, new rapid bus services launched, lower fares, more zero-emission vehicles, a very light rail line in Coventry and miles of safe cycling routes created to support the region’s economic growth and net-zero carbon targets.    The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board has approved bids to the Government’s City Region Sustainabl...
• Stratford station congestion relief scheme secures DfT development fundingNetwork Rail has secured £2 million in funding from the Department of Transport (DfT) to help develop plans to help relieve congestion at London’s Stratford station.   The DfT funding will help Network Rail to develop plans for the Transport for London (TfL) managed station, maintaining the safety of the station environment for passengers during busy times and improve the overall station experience, particularly as passenger numbers continue to rise.     Subject to approval and further funding, the improvements could help create more room on specific platforms and ar...

New Civil Engineer

• Northern Line Extension business model could be used elsewhereOpening of the Northern Line Extension yesterday celebrated the completion of the construction but the use of private finance to deliver the project in a timely fashion should also be praised, says the project’s boss.
• Train testing ramps up as abandoned Dartmoor line nears second-comingTrain activity on the formerly-abandoned Dartmoor line between Okehampton and Exeter will increase from this week.
• Call for Stonehenge Tunnel funds to be reallocated to upgrade London to Exeter rail lineCampaigners against the proposed Stonehenge Tunnel have written to prime minister Boris Johnson, urging him to “abandon” the £1.7bn scheme in favour of “less damaging and more sustainable solutions”.
• Blow for TfL as developer pulls out of oversite developments at two London stationsTaylor Wimpey has officially walked away from plans to develop housing above and around High Barnet and Finchley Central stations.

Other News Sources

• Do you want new railway platforms at Cove, Altens and Newtonhill? Time to have your sayA new survey has launched today to find out what north-east citizens think about introducing a series of new train stations south of Aberdeen.
• East West Rail Alliance holds open day at its compound in WinslowPeople in Winslow are invited to attend an East West Rail Alliance (EWRA) event at its B3 compound in Furze Lane, Winslow.
• East West Rail campaigners confront Mayor Dave on his village tourMayor Dave Hodgson’s annual Village Tour has given rail campaigners the opportunity to share their views on the East West Rail’s Route E option, which passes through the north Bedfordshire villages.
• Croydon tram crash: MP calls for legal loopholes to be closedThe inquest into the Croydon crash found that the seven victims of the derailment died as a result of an accident