Public Transport news

• ‘I’m not commenting on speculation’: Mark Harper refuses 10 times to answer questions on HS2

  30-09-2023 19:20
  
  In an excruciating BBC interview, the transport minister sticks resolutely to the party line on rail link … and fails to answer the questionMark Harper is not the first cabinet minister to suffer a difficult early-morning interview, but the transport secretary seemed oddly blindsided by a quizzing about the future of HS2. No fewer than 12 times he dismissed the issue as “speculation”. If only there were a senior figure from the Department for Transport to clear things up? Here
  
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• Rishi Sunak the helicopter – cartoon

  30-09-2023 19:00
  
  The prime minister pays a flying visit to Conservative conference Continue reading...
  
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• Theresa May joins Johnson and Cameron in warning against HS2 cuts

  30-09-2023 14:28
  
  Tory former leader criticises Rishi Sunak’s potential plans to scrap Manchester leg and change London terminusTheresa May has become the third Conservative former prime minister to criticise Rishi Sunak’s potential plans to scale back HS2.As Tory MPs head to Manchester for their annual conference with the fate of the northern leg of the high-speed rail line hanging in the balance, May said it was vital to boost capacity on the west coast mainline. Continue reading...
  
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• Transport secretary refuses to comment on future of HS2 Manchester leg

  30-09-2023 12:08
  
  Mark Harper follows PM’s lead over speculation that rail branch will be scrapped as senior Tories call on ministers to ‘finish the job’The transport secretary has refused to comment on “speculation” about HS2’s Manchester leg being cancelled as senior Conservatives continue to urge ministers to “finish the job”.During a morning round of broadcast interviews, Mark Harper followed the prime minister’s lead in declining to be drawn on suggestion
  
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• Not magical, certainly a mystery: my five-hour train trip became an 11-hour viral ordeal. No wonder people fly | James Nokise

  30-09-2023 09:00
  
  Our plight when a rail firm cancelled our train mid-journey and sent us allto Scotland by taxi sparked a national debate – as it shouldFor the first two or so hours of its scheduled run, the Monday 16:40 direct train from London Euston to Edinburgh Waverley had been delightfully normal. The train was neither too full, too cold nor too loud. It was boring – blissfully so. There was no sign of the odyssey to come.An email arrived on our phones, its title evoking The Twilight Zone: &ldq
  
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• Tories face frosty reception in Manchester as future of HS2 in doubt

  30-09-2023 08:00
  
  Any rollback of' levelling up commitments in north could anger ‘red wall’ voters who swung to ConservativesAs Tories flock to Manchester for their annual conference, they are looking at an even frostier welcome than usual in the northern city.Once, Manchester was at the heart of George Osborne’s promised “northern powerhouse” project and the end destination of the HS2 rail line. Northern voters continued to be wooed by Boris Johnson with a promise of levelling up as
  
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• Rail passengers in England face further strike disruption

  30-09-2023 06:00
  
  Saturday train services halted as Aslef drivers begin industrial action in long-running pay disputeRail passengers are facing another day of disruption as a strike by train drivers halts virtually all national rail services in England.Members of the Aslef union have started a 24-hour walkout in the long-running pay dispute, targeting the start of the Conservative party conference in Manchester. Continue reading...
  
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• YORK: Scrapping HS2 would impact on East Coast Mainline

  30-09-2023 02:00 via yorkpress.co.uk
  
  The York Press - The potential scrapping of the second leg of HS2 will have serious implications for capacity on the East Coast Mainline, according to Yorks transport executive.
  
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• YASMIN QURESHI: Closing ticket offices 'about money saving'

  30-09-2023 02:00 via theboltonnews.co.uk
  
  Bolton News - Many will have seen the recent plans supported by the Government from the Rail Delivery Group, the collective organisation for all the railway companies, to close thousands of railway station ticket offices.
  
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• Wrightbus bags contract which could see 150 hydrogen buses sold to nuclear power plant

  30-09-2023 02:00 via business-live.co.uk
  Birmingham Post - The deal will initially see four hydrogen buses tested at the site
  
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• Wixams Railway Station will close at 10pm as engineering works make staying open longer "too expensive"

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bedfordtoday.co.uk
  Other Regional Press - Wixams Railway Station will close at 10pm every day as it is too expensive to stay open for longer, a meeting heard.
  
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• Why West Yorkshire buses could be brought under public control

  30-09-2023 02:00 via thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
  
  Bradford Telegraph & Argus - A major consultation on bringing West Yorkshires bus network under public control - inspired by London - is set to take place before Christmas.
  
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• Why Northern Powerhouse Rail should be the priority now - David Behrens

  30-09-2023 02:00 via yorkshirepost.co.uk
  Yorkshire Post - Conservatives are gathering in Manchester this weekend for their party conference. I hope theyre getting there by train. And that it dumps them halfway, in the middle of nowhere.
  
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• US car workers strike escalates as it enters third week

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - The United Auto Workers union said 7,000 more members would walk out.
  
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• Two people taken to hospital after crash involving Flying Scotsman

  30-09-2023 02:00 via news.sky.com
  
  Sky News - Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash involving the Flying Scotsman.
  
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• Trump is attacking electric vehicles. Automakers already bet their future on them

  30-09-2023 02:00 via cnn.com
  
  C.N.N. - The auto industry has announced more than $100 billion in electric car investments, creating more than 100,000 American jobs. A second Donald Trump presidency could derail the push.
  
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• Swansea Airport: Council's legal bid to take back control

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - Swansea Airport has lost its licence to operate due to a
  
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• Sunak vows to end 'hare-brain' road schemes

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - PM says measures like 20mph zones should not be forced on drivers but Labour accuses him of hypocrisy.
  
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• Sunak removing the alternatives to driving, say six major walker and cyclist groups

  30-09-2023 02:00 via cityam.com
  
  City AM - Rishi Sunak has been accused by walking and cycling groups of removing the alternatives to driving amid speculation he is preparing to curb 20mph speed limits. Six leading active travel organisations claimed the Prime Minister will make the roads worse if he goes ahead with the move. Several newspapers reported that a Plan for Motorists ...
  
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• Sunak must burst the pro-HS2 consensus to give the North the transport it actually needs. subscription

  30-09-2023 02:00 via telegraph.co.uk
  
  The Telegraph - The case for the high-speed rail link was built on political calculations rather than real-life facts
  
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• Steam Packet Company say comparison with P&O Ferries 'misleading' as union dispute continues

  30-09-2023 02:00 via itv.com
  
  ITV News - Any comparison between the Isle of Man's ferry company and Pmp;O Ferries is 'misleading', in relation to an ongoing dispute, the company has said.
  
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• Shrewsbury to Hereford rail link reopens after tunnel work

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - Overrunning work on the railway between Shrewsbury and Hereford has been completed.
  Network Rail has apologised for disruption during the closure of Dinmore Tunnel, which began on 12 September.
  
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• 'Serious concerns' raised about train ticket office closures months ago by watchdog

  30-09-2023 02:00 via mirror.co.uk
  
  The Mirror - A passenger watchdog raised serious concerns about the proposals for mass closure of rail ticket offices months before they were announced.
  
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• Self-driving buses that go wherever you want? How the UK is trying to revolutionise public transport

  30-09-2023 02:00 via theconversation.com
  
  Other News Sources - Futurology is littered with predictions that failed to materialise, not least in the field of transport technology. In Edwardian times, when public transport was largely powered by horse or steam, a number of new concepts emerged which were hailed as the future of public transport.
  
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• Scottish ferry further delayed until 2025 as boss apologises

  30-09-2023 02:00 via thenational.scot
  
  The National - THE second Ferguson Marine CalMac ferry will be delayed until May 2025, the shipyard boss has said whilst apologising for further significantly understand costs.
  
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• Scotland spaceports: Why space might not be for all?

  30-09-2023 02:00 via heraldscotland.com
  
  The Herald - The UK Space Agencys Space for Everyone tour toucheddown in Scotland this week.
  
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• Routes for 'go-slow' protests on major roads over 20mph speed limits this weekend confirmed

  30-09-2023 02:00 via walesonline.co.uk
  
  Wales Online - The organisers have urged protesters to stick to 30mph
  
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• Rail unions call for emergency HS2 summit

  30-09-2023 02:00 via railnews.co.uk
  Railnews -FRIDAY BRIEFING: Rail unions call for emergency HS2 summit ++ More strike disruption ahead ++ Ebbw Vale upgrade close to completion ++
  
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• Rail travel: How easy is it for all in Wales to access?

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - Getting around by train can still be a struggle for disabled people and parents of young children.
  
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• Rail services on vital link line from Wales to the Midlands are back on track as tunnel work ends

  30-09-2023 02:00 via shropshirestar.com
  
  Other Regional Press - Rail infrastructure chiefs are chuffed after completing work on the train line between Hereford and Shrewsbury.
  
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• Private jet service for rich dog owners condemned by climate campaigners

  30-09-2023 02:00 via theguardian.com
  
  The Guardian - UK-based charter firm launches ludicrous £8,166 Dubai-London route for clients who want to fly with petsEnvironmentalists have condemned a ludicrous private jet service that transports wealthy peoples dogs, which this week ran its first flight from Dubai to London.For £8,166, one way, customers were able to sit with their dogs on their laps and sip champagne as they travelled from Al Maktoum international airport to Farnborough in a Gulfstream IV-SP jet. Continue readi
  
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• Passengers reveal Avanti west coast woes on way to Scotland

  30-09-2023 02:00 via heraldscotland.com
  
  The Herald - The Avanti West Coast mainline has been going viral for all the wrong reasons this week as beleaguered passengers used social media to express extreme disgruntlement at terminated services.
  
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• Major changes planned for Bristol to Bath corridor have left residents 'incredulous'

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bristolpost.co.uk
  
  Bristol Live - The West of England Combined Authority wants to make major changes to the A4 Bath Road
  
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• HS2: Unions call for emergency summit on rail line's future

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - The TUC says stakeholders in the high-speed rail line must be brought together
  
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• HS2 boss resigns amid speculation over further cuts

  30-09-2023 02:00 via manchestereveningnews.co.uk
  Manchester Evening News - HS2 Ltd boss Mark Thurston leaves his role on Friday amid speculation the high-speed rail project will be cut further.
  
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• HS2 boss resigns amid speculation of further cuts

  30-09-2023 02:00 via independent.co.uk
  
  The Independent - HS2 Ltd boss Mark Thurston leaves his role on Friday amid speculation the high-speed rail project will be cut further.
  
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• HS2: Boris Johnson says scrapping Manchester leg would 'betray' the North and levelling up

  30-09-2023 02:00 via news.sky.com
  
  Sky News - The former prime minister says he let out a "long, low despairing grown" when he heard the government was planning on scrapping or delaying HS2.
  
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• HS2 awards £300M ground investigation contracts for phase 2 to Aecom, Bam and more

  30-09-2023 02:00 via newcivilengineer.com
  
  New Civil Engineer - Despite speculation that the second phase of High Speed Two (HS2) could be cancelled by the government, HS2 Ltd has awarded ground investigation contracts with a total value of up to £300M for the proposed route between Birmingham and Manchester.
  
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• Heritage award for 89-year-old Skye ferry crossing

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - A ferry service linking Skye with the mainland has been recognised with a Red Wheel heritage plaque.
  
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• Government announces new long-term plan to back drivers

  30-09-2023 02:00 via gov.uk
  
  Department for Transport - Plan for drivers will sit alongside continued investment in public transport and active travel.
  
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• Further delay and up to £24m in 'understated' costs to late CalMac ferries

  30-09-2023 02:00 via news.stv.tv
  
  Sky News - The second of two massively-delayed CalMac ferries will not be completed until May 2025 while the boss of the troubled shipyard apologised for further significantly understated costs.
  
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• Flying Scotsman involved in slow speed crash in Scottish Highlands

  30-09-2023 02:00 via theguardian.com
  
  The Guardian - Several people received minor injuries after the heritage train was involved in a shunting incident, according to policeSeveral people were injured after two trains, one of which was the famous Flying Scotsman, collided at slow speed in the Highlands of Scotland, police said.The crash happened at Aviemore railway station in the Cairngorms at 7.10pm on Friday. The station is home to Strathspey Railway, a heritage line that takes visitors on steam trains in northern Scotland. Contin
  
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• Ferry firm says asking crew to live on-board will cut cancellations

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - Asking ferry crews to stay on-board between shifts will reduce the risk of cancellations, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has said.
  
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• Fermanagh rail campaign picks up steam with first meeting

  30-09-2023 02:00 via impartialreporter.com
  
  Other Regional Press - A public meeting has heard Fermanagh cannot afford to be a backwater lacking in connectivity.
  
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• Ferguson shipyard: Ferry costs rise again after safety changes ordered

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - Completing Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa will now cost at least an extra £24m because of safety changes.
  
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• Ferguson Marine ferries fiasco continues. subscription

  30-09-2023 02:00 via thetimes.co.uk
  
  Times Online - More delays and spiralling costs hit CalMac project
  
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• East Lancs bus services get £10m boost from government

  30-09-2023 02:00 via lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
  
  Burnley Express - BLACKBURN with Darwen Borough and Lancashire County Councils will share almost £10million to boost bus services in the coming two years.
  
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• East Cowes: Updated plans for ferry terminal upgrade unveiled

  30-09-2023 02:00 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News - Updated plans to transform a ferry terminal have been revealed.
  Red Funnel wants to revamp its three sites at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight - Phoenix Yard, Trinity Yard and Redux Yard.
  
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• Departure of CEO adds to crisis at South Africas port and rail monopoly

  30-09-2023 02:00 via ft.com
  Financial Times - Transnet predicted to become next Eskom as problems pile up at state transport group
  
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• Cost of unfinished CalMac ferries rises again and second one further delayed

  30-09-2023 02:00 via dailyrecord.co.uk
  Daily Record - The Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, which are being built at the troubled Scottish Government-owned shipyard Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, were originally due to be in service in 2018 at a total price of £97 million.
  
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