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

Friday, 09 May 2025

BBC News

• Reeves must revive northern rail project - OsborneReviving projects linked to the Northern Powerhouse should be one of Chancellor of The Exchequer Rachel Reeves' main priorities, her predecessor George Osborne has said.
• Wait goes on for Great British Railways HQ decisionNo decision has yet been made on the location of Great British Railways' (GBR) headquarters in Derby, two years after it was confirmed the city would host the site.
• Birmingham HS2's revised station plans approvedA combination of factors were involved within a redesign, including value for money, a report said.

Department for Transport

• Transport Secretary forges landmark deal to progress new Swiss rail linkDirect rail link between UK and Switzerland could boost tourism and grow our economy, while offering a greener option for passengers.

The Herald

• Cost of East Kilbride rail electrification project soarsThe cost of a major infrastructure project which will see the electrification of a train line between Glasgow and East Kilbride has risen to almost £144 million, The Herald can reveal.

Network Rail

• Newquay Strategic Route opens with Network Rail bridge now in useThe Newquay Strategic Route a new road to improve transport links and unlock economic growth in Newquay has opened to the public, with Network Rail's new bridge over the railway now in use.

Other Regional Press

• Mayor of the East Midlands meets the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander today at the East Midlands Railway training facilityMayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, joined the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander today at the East Midlands Railway training facility in Derby, as the government announced that 18- to 20-year-olds will now be able to apply to be train drivers.
• Wildflower areas to be planted on top of Oswestry bus stopsTwo bus shelters in Oswestry town centre are being planted with 'green roofs'
• 'Limited bus routes and railway stations leave young people excluded from opportunities at college' says Shrewsbury MPThere is a "poverty of opportunity" forcing Shropshire students to limit their career aspirations due to a lack of transport options, an MP has said.
• Cardiff Bay line set to close for engineering worksTransport for Wales (TfW) is continuing to deliver the transformation of the Cardiff Bay line, with the development of a new two-platform station in northern Butetown and the redevelopment of Cardiff Bay station.
• MP calls for debate over step-free access to train stations as campaign over Whitchurch Railway Station continuesA county MP has called for a debate to address the importance of step-free access to train stations.

New Civil Engineer

• Rail electrification has fallen in political priorities due to decarbonisation strategy, Haines saysRail electrification has 'dropped down the priority list' politically as it has smaller impact on the UK's carbon budget compared to other measures, according to Network Rail's CEO.
• Costain advising DfT on rail infrastructure enhancement projects in Wales and WesternCostain has been appointed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to provide specialist technical and commercial advice for a series of rail infrastructure enhancement projects in the Western, Wales and Wessex regions.
• Pensioner fears accident on new Metro trains 'a matter of time' due to lack of handrailsPeter Moore, from Forest Hall, says that the layout of the new Tyne and Wear Metro trains will make him think twice about getting on board them

Rail Magazine

• HS2 CEO: "We only get one shot" at reset as he explains how project has become "discontinuous"HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, Mark Wild, insists the year-long reset can only happen once, as he aims to turn around the beleaguered project.
• MPs lobby Network Rail to support open access Wrexham-London planA group of MPs serving communities that stand to benefit from a proposed open access service to London have written to Network Rail asking for a positive response to the Office of Rail and Road's consultation.

Other News Sources

• Railway safety tech start-up on track for expansion after raising £2mThe company behind a product which helps to improve the safety of railway staff and prevent avoidable incidents has raised £2m from Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures to support its expansion in new sectors and global markets.