Will this be Labour’s blueprint for transport?
‘We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure,’ says chair of review commissioned by the party in opposition in December The review calls for an ambitious transport infrastructure plan to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network A report commissioned by the Labour party while in opposition in...
‘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...
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...
‘Our motto is simple: move fast and fix things’
The new secretary of state for transport, Louise Haigh, says transport is ‘central to achieving the missions for government that the prime minister has committed us to’ DfT’s ministerial team (left to right): Lilian Greenwood (future of roads), Simon Lightwood (local transport), Louise Haigh (secretary of state), Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (rail) and...
A sector poised for growth
Our sample of public transport professionals expressed optismism about the sector’s future We are at the beginning of a new era for the country – and perhaps also for the public transport sector. This month’s general election saw voters indicate their desire for a change of direction – but what about those working in...
Who is offering the best plan for transport?
Ahead of next week’s general election, Robert Jack reports on the key transport pledges in the manifestos of Great Britain’s main political parties Addressing a conference in London last month, Professor David Begg warned that the UK was lacking a vision for transforming transport in a way that will delivery essential economic, social...
CPT seeks clarity on future of £2 fare cap
The Labour Party’s manifesto makes no mention of the cap, which has supported the bus industry’s post-Covid recovery over the past 18 months Labour’s manifesto makes no mention of the £2 bus fare cap Bus operators have expressed disappointment at Labour Party’s silence on the future of England’s £2 bus fare cap. The...
Wrightbus aims for NewPower market
The Ballymena-based manufacturer has become the first OEM in the bus sector to launch a diesel to battery-electric repower solution for customers First Bus Streetdecks under conversion at the NewPower facility There’s no doubt the electric bus revolution is in full swing, but for some years many have tried (and more often than...
CBT sets its manifesto for next government
Rail reforms and a minimum service level for buses are key asks The Campaign for Better Transport has published its general election manifesto, outlining its transport asks for the next government. The manifesto calls for prioritising investment in public transport, walking, and cycling over road building. It also advocates for replacing short-term...
