The West Midlands bus driver strike continues. We know from our research that around half of regular bus users don’t have easy access to any other mode of transport for their journeys, so will be struggling to reach work, appointments or leisure activities. So, as the voice of transport users, how can Transport Focus help? We have no role in…
Getting it right – lorry driver facilities
We know that lorry drivers provide a vital service to the economy and to society. The vast majority of all goods and services are transported by lorry, so the importance of looking after drivers welfare by providing decent rest stop facilities is paramount. Our research in this area shows that lorry drivers are less satisfied with their overall experience of…
£2 bus fares – spreading the word
Transport Focus recently welcomed the extension of the Government’s £2 bus fare cap to the end of June 2023. A much needed move to save passengers money during the cost of living crisis and a great incentive to attract people back to using the bus or trying it out for the first time. Last week we published our updated research…
At the centre of everything – West Midlands
The West Midlands is never far from the spotlight – from hosting the Commonwealth Games through to being the new home of everyone’s favourite mechanical bull (more of him later!). As a key part of the public transport network right in the centre of Great Britain, the West Midlands region certainly keeps Transport Focus busy. Our colleagues are regularly out…
Higher cost, more hassle – proposed travelcard changes
One-day London travelcards are under threat. Transport for London is currently consulting on whether it should get rid of this type of ticket, including when sold as an ‘add-on’ to a train ticket into London. Travelcards added to a train ticket can be great value for money, although if you are only making a few short journeys once in…
TUESDAY Meetup 11th April
Where and When Our second Meetup at the Crosse Keys pub located at 9 Gracechurch Street in the City of London will be on Tuesday 11th April from 6.30 p.m. onwards. The first meeting was regarded as quite successful for an initial meeting at a new location. The increase in numbers appears to show that the decision to change location…
Monday’s Friday Reads – 10 April 2023
• Blackfriars (road) Bridge repairs & history (BBC) • Southern Region Kent Electrification scheme 1958 film: Video (BennetBrookRy) • A spiral of motorway road signs at Somerset House (IanVisits) • New Yorkers are fed up with helicopter noise (CityLab) • The consistent design language of Sydney’s public transport: Video (T2Norway) • The covered walkway that conquered Singapore (RiceMedia) Check out…
Friday Reads – 14 April 2023
• Aviation industry awarded £18Bn in public finance since the Paris Agreement (DeSmog) • West London Orbital Overground line likely to get approval (IanVisits) • East Lancs Railway faces accusations in sacking of 10 year volunteer for whistleblowing (ThirdSector) • Tyne & Wear Metro: the Musical – good tune, good singing: Video (BBCNewcastle) • Inside giant robotic parking garages: Video…
Monday’s Friday Reads – 17 April 2023
• Closing Nuneham Viaduct the right decision says Network Rail boss (NewCivilEng) • History of women in London’s transport (LTMuseum) • Repurposed Thurgoland railway tunnel has otherworldly acoustic characteristics (AtlasObscura) • If only we saw public transport as a public service (BrigittePellerin) • Smartphones may be our greatest tool for indoor navigation (CBCSpark) • The future of the footpath: disrespected,…
The Great Western Main Line to Reading in the era of Crossrail
Much has been written about the Crossrail project and the benefits of the Elizabeth line. Nearly everything written about its benefits looks at the benefits to users of the Elizabeth line. But often transport projects have benefits that go beyond direct users. Crossrail is one such project and here we look at the benefits (and the downsides) that this project…