Souter set for Istanbul retirement party
Event will mark the end of an era for Stagecoach co-founder at a time when he sees a reduced role for entreprenuers in the public transport sector Sir Brian Souter ‘remains passionate about public transport’ Sir Brian Souter is thanking his former Stagecoach colleagues by inviting them to Istanbul next month for a...
Don’t let fares soar as service sinks
Rail users will face eye-watering fare increases next March. The risk is that the price is becoming divorced from the proposition The concept of any increase feels a hammer blow to customers at a time when the service is poor Last week, my designer clothes mad, 17-year old son, got me traipsing...
MPs urge rethink of Integrated Rail Plan
Transport Committee says that alternative options, which could transform key Northern cities, have not been properly tested and must be revisited Prime minister Boris Johnson pictured on a tour of the North of England last November, timed to coincide with the announcement of the Integrated Rail Plan A thorough reassessment of the government’s...
‘A giant and a most incredible pioneer’
Following news of his death, Wrightbus founder Sir William Wright was this week hailed as ‘a man who left his mark, not just locally but globally’ Wrightbus staff formed a Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright Tributes were made this week to Sir William Wright, founder of Ballymena-based Wrightbus,...
Ready for Rishi? Trust in Truss?
The race to become the next PM is down to the final two. So what do we know about them and their views on transport? Tank commanders: Rishi Sunak (left) and Liz Truss So, we are to have a new prime minister. As to whether that will be Rishi Sunak or Liz...
People need to be at heart of the agenda
Great British Railways will be a vast organisation that will shape the future of our railways. It’s vital that we get the culture right If Andrew Haines heads GBR it will be in fantastic hands ‘Career crossroads’ is how I’d describe the perspective of many rail industry professionals right now. A number...
Journeo steps beyond the 21st Century
Journeo enhances support for connected journeys with revolutionary cloud-based products and services that will connect millions of journeys Russ Singleton, Journeo’s CEO Earlier this year, 21st Century Fleet Systems and 21st Century Passenger Systems became a single brand – Journeo. It is a move that places the company’s cloud-based products and services at...
Boris bows out – but £2 bus fare promo floated
It has been reported that Boris Johnson’s team have spent months working on a plan to subsidise fares on local bus services in England for six months Behind-the-scenes talks are reported to have taken place between the government and the bus industry over a scheme to cap bus fares in England at £2...
Making the case for transport authorities
Transitioning to a fully empowered transport authority can be difficult, but the case for transitioning is stronger than ever before The Montreal Metro reflects and enhances the identity of the place it serves “Underneath all the commercial activities of the board, underneath all its engineering and operations, there is the revelation and...
My half-term report for public transport
Recruitment woes, collaboration in the rail sector, reorganisations within bus groups. These are just some of the big issues of 2022 We’re just over halfway through this fun-packed year and I’m due my customary half-term report on the state of the transport industry so far in 2022. Let’s crack on folks… CrossCountry customer...
Fastrack in maturity plays to its strengths
Kent’s Fastrack bus-based rapid transit network is 15-years old, but its promoters are looking to the future with a switch to zero-emission Fastrack has helped unlock new housing developments in Kent Thameside By Andrew Garnett Kent’s Fastrack bus rapid transit scheme has been a poster child for what the bus can achieve over...
This is the sound of the suburbs