Griffiths warns Labour: ‘We could stop bidding’
After Ed Miliband confirms Labour’s support for allowing DOR to bid for franchises, RDG’s Martin Griffiths warns private sector could be deterred Labour Party leader Ed Miliband has confirmed that the law would be changed to allow a publicly-owned body to bid for rail franchises if Labour wins the May 2015 general election. Speaking...
‘Light rail investment can spread benefits of HS2′
Report provides ‘hub and spoke’ transport blueprint Investment in new, modern tram networks will help UK regions maximise the economic benefits of High Speed 2, argues a new report from French transport group Keolis. Launched this week, the ‘Integrated Cities’ report features contributions from shadow rail minister Lilian Greenwood, think tank the Institute of...
Cardiff bus station future uncertain
Concerns have been raised over plans to relocate Cardiff’s bus station from its position beside the city’s main railway station. Rhodri Clark reports The future of Cardiff’s central transport interchange is uncertain, with the site of the current bus station earmarked for other uses. Last month, BBC Wales unveiled plans for a new headquarters...
NEG bid £300m more than rivals to retain c2c
National Express Group committed to pay the Department for Transport £1.1bn over the next 15 years to avoid the loss of its only UK rail franchise National Express Group has kept its place in the UK rail business after retaining its Essex Thameside (c2c) franchise with a bid that was over £300m ahead of...
Osborne seeks HS3 for ‘Northern Powerhouse’
In a speech delivered at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester this week, chancellor George Osborne said he wanted to explore the potential for a new east-west high speed rail line linking major cities in the North of England to create a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ Chancellor George Osborne has identified high speed transport...
UK public transport rated among best in Europe
Inaugural Eurobarometer report shows UK public transport users are among Europe’s most satisfied Public transport users in the UK are among the most satisfied in Europe, according to a new study published earlier this month by the European Commission. Last September, the inaugural ‘Eurobarometer’ report surveyed 28,036 Europeans on their happiness with 12 aspects...
Stagecoach UK bus profits offset rail woes
Rail performance flattens Stagecoach profits Stagecoach Group has reported broadly flat profits for 2013/14 as lower profitability at its rail operations more than wiped out increased UK bus profits. In North America, the benefits of significant expansion of the Megabus coach business were largely offset by lower profits at the Twin America sightseeing business....
FirstGroup set to boost graduate intake by 65%
A record 23 graduates will begin First’s graduate programme in September, up two-thirds on 2013, after the group received over 1,000 applications FirstGroup has this week revealed that it is set to increase its graduate intake by around two-thirds. In September 2013, 23 graduates will begin working for First across its bus, rail and...
Judge-led inquiry to examine tram project
As Edinburgh’s troubled tram project finally enters service, Alex Salmond announces a new public inquiry that will closely scrutinise the project Alex Salmond has announced that the Scottish Government intends to launch a public inquiry into Edinburgh troubled tram project later this year. The Scottish first minister announced the plans as the city’s trams...
Reduced services after Padarn Bus closure
Offer to buy firm from Barbados-based company was rejected Public transport into Snowdonia national park is reduced this summer after local independent Padarn Bus entered voluntary liquidation on May 30. An offer to buy the company and continue to operate from its Llanberis base was made on behalf of an internationally-backed company based in...
TSGN win set to boost Go-Ahead bus business
Capture of the new Thameslink Southern Great Northern rail franchise will see Go-Ahead examine options for expansion of its bus business Go-Ahead is set to consider options for additional investment in its bus business and acquisitions following the Department for Transport’s announcement that its Govia joint venture with Keolis will operate the new Thameslink...
Labour would allow DOR to bid for rail franchises
Shadow transport secretary says Labour would enable DOR to compete for rail franchises Shadow transport secretary Mary Creagh has indicated that the Labour Party would change the law to enable Directly Operated Railways to bid for rail franchises should it win the next general election. However, she ruled out “fantasy” renationalisation of train operations...
