‘Bus is best!’ – but no mention of £500m fund
Minister talks up role of buses, as CPT seeks action on journey times Jim Fairlie: the future of the industry in Scotland is incredibly bright Scotland’s minister for connectivity offered a strong endorsement of buses ahead of next week’s CPT Scotland Conference in Glasgow. In an article in Scotland’s Buses 2024, which accompanies...
Action urged on new housing and transport
Former bus boss has raised the alarm after helping parish councils respond the local transport consequences of major new housing developments Ben Colson spent his career in the bus industry The new government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years risks the creation of new car-dependent communities unless the...
Patronage boost sees Bee Network on track
Transport for Greater Manchester reveals a 5% increase in patronage on the first phase of Bee Network routes with revenues £3m ahead of budget Plans to improve performance at Tranche Two are underway Patronage on the first tranche of franchised Bee Network services in Greater Manchester has seen a consistent increase, with a...
From buses to a ‘10-mile museum’
I spoke to Marc Morgan Huws about his new role at Isle of Wight Steam Railway and tapping into the high-value leisure market Marc Morgan-Huws has worked in senior roles for Go-Ahead and First Bus There are few multi-modal transport professionals around, fewer still those who have traded roles in the bus...
A promising start for public transport
The new government’s enthusiasm for public transport is encouraging – but ambitious modal shift targets are needed The transport sector is furthest off track to meet the UK’s carbon targets. New transport secretary Louise Haigh has moved quickly on public transport-friendly legislation – but will she succeed in persuading people out of cars?...
Steering rail to a prosperous future
With no need for government funding, independent rail retailers could generate significant additional revenue for the railways How and when to go from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to King’s Cross? I recently needed to get a ticket back home. So where do you start? Firstly, check one of the many so called ‘third party retailers’ (TPRs)...
NAO adds to pressure to find HS2 solution
National Audit Office report warns that decision to axe northern leg of high speed line will result in trains having fewer seats than existing services Unlike existing Pendolino rolling stock, HS2 trains will be unable to tilt to take corners on the WCML at a higher speed Pressure is building on the government...
Industry speculates on future of £2 fare cap
As buses minister Simon Lightwood suggests new government is looking at fare cap’s future, thoughts are turning to how the scheme could evolve England’s £2 fare cap outside London was launched in January 2023 Industry figures are speculating about the future of England’s £2 bus fare cap, which was introduced in January 2023...
Sector seeks new data tools
Technology is already shaping public transport networks – and there’s an appetite for more Passenger transport organisations are harnessing a range of technologies to track mobility patterns and tailor networks to meet demand in the most efficient way. However, not everyone is satisfied that the job is being done as well as it could...
Ministers need new sources of funding
Delivering ‘the biggest overhaul to transport in a generation’ won’t be easy without extra funding. Some creative thinking is required Transport secretary Louise Haigh and her team will have a financial and policy envelope within which they can operate with freedom. But will it be big enough to allow the really radical changes...
We are letting down our young talent
How would you feel if your son or daughter was recruited as a ‘rising star’, but not supported and unceremoniously cast aside? Last week there have been some lovely pictures on LinkedIn of proud parents at their offspring’s graduation ceremonies. It’s been touching to see and also interesting to look at the physical...
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