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

Friday, 31 July 2026

BBC News

• Stations selected for transport hub pilotsTwo railway stations are set for improvements to encourage more commuters to leave their cars and use trains, bikes or buses to get to work.
• ScotRail apology after passengers unable to book tickets in app launch chaosScotRail has apologised for the chaotic launch of its new app, which left hundreds of passengers unable to book train tickets.

Department for Transport

• Independent HS2 Commissioner report 2This is the second report from the Independent HS2 Commissioner.

The Herald

• Scottish train stations campaign to protect vulnerable childrenA rail operator has joined a national campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable children and young people across the UK rail network.

Network Rail

• Funding approved for world-first rail safety technology rollout across entire Heart of Wales railway lineNetwork Rail has secured funding to progress the next phase of pioneering rail safety technology that could transform how trains are monitored, enhance safety and reduce waiting times at rural level crossings.

Rail Delivery Group

• Why take the plane? New independent research reveals that train travel gives you more time to use, is quicker and cheaper than flyingRail passengers save 71% on average once the full cost of flying, including transfers,'baggage' and airport charges, is factored in, a saving of £147 per journey.

Sky News

• Key HS2 contracts renegotiated as government scrambles to slash costsMinisters will announce on Friday that two of HS2's biggest contracts have been recut as they try to lop up to £2bn from the cost of one of Britain's most catastrophically managed infrastructure projects

Manchester Evening News

• Relief for the Wigan town 'cut off' for 60 yearsTransport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said train services would reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes

Other Regional Press

• Plan to move Dorset railway station called 'anti-motorist'A 15-year plan with proposals to move a railway station, introduce trams and expand the cycling network is continuing the 'anti-motorist biased agenda'
• Segro 'minded to accept' huge £14bn takeover bidThe firm behind the controversial Radlett rail freight project looks poised to accept a £14 billion takeover bid from a US rival.
• Work to begin on £14m Milford Haven transport interchangeMajor redevelopment will create an integrated hub linking rail, bus, walking and cycling routes

Train Operators

• Banbury Station revamp unveiled by Chiltern Railways and Oxfordshire County CouncilUpgrades to Banbury Station were unveiled today (Thursday 30 July) as part of a joint investment by operator Chiltern Railways and Oxfordshire County Council.

Rail Business Daily

• New independent research reveals that train travel gives you more time to use, is quicker and cheaper than flyingNew independent research challenges the long-held assumption that flying is the obvious choice for long-distance domestic travel in Great Britain. In fact, rail journeys are often cheaper, more productive and significantly greener than flying with 60% of people from an additional recent survey saying they would consider travelling by train rather than flying.

Transportxtra

• Methodology for GBR's network valuation not yet decidedThe Government has not yet decided how the rail network will be valued when ownership transfers to Great British Railways, according to the DfT's annual report for 2025/26
• Wetton is Integrated MD at GBR West MidlandsDenise Wetton has been appointed Integrated Managing Director of GBR West Midlands. Wetton was most recently Route Director for Network Rail's Central Route which operates and maintains railway infrastructure in the West Midlands and Chilterns area, as well as managing Birmingham New Street station and has more than 20 years experience in the rail industry.

Other News Sources

• Has development above Euston station been scaled back?The redevelopment of Euston station may have a significantly reduced oversite element than previously envisaged, new images on the developer's consultation page appear to show
• Mayor Brabin backs rail freight to sustainably deliver local homes and jobsWest Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, has shown her support for using the railway in Yorkshire to deliver the new homes, offices and growth in Leeds and minimise the number of HGVs on the region's roads.
• TfL and Outdo join forces to share access to tube advertising for local businessesLocal London businesses are set to gain further access to advertising opportunities across London's Underground network, after Outdo secured a new contract to operate poster advertising outside of Transport for London Underground station sites.