Greater #Manchester Police used a Bee Network bus in Operation Top Deck to spot over 30 dangerous driving offences in just two hours. From an elevated position, officers caught 17 drivers using mobile phones, seven without seat belts (including children), and others crossing solid white lines or with illegal plates. The crackdown supports Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate road deaths by 2040. Offenders were stopped, educated, or issued fines. Inspired by Operation Tramline, the initiative highlights the risks of distracted driving, with drivers using phones four times more likely to crash. Public reports via Operation Snap are encouraged.
https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/5bec28e8-2196-4c33-a51a-ba5d14c4c8d1/police-deployment-onboard-bee-network-bus-uncovers-dangerous-driving-in-crackdown-on-irresponsible-drivers-putting-lives-at-risk

Wrightbus brought key #UK energy leaders to Parliament in its zero-emission Hydroliner to back Project HySpeed—a £6.5bn hydrogen initiative aiming to create 24,300 jobs and produce 1GW of capacity by 2030. Over 20 firms, including Centrica, JCB and National Gas, met 40+ MPs to urge stronger energy resilience, citing recent industrial issues. HySpeed plans to cut CO₂ by 1 million tonnes/year, strengthen renewables, and support five million jobs in foundation industries. Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales and green entrepreneur Jo Bamford highlighted hydrogen’s role in securing energy independence and green jobs. The project will establish hydrogen hubs, lower costs through joint procurement, and contribute £2bn/year in GVA, aligning with the UK's target of 480,000 green jobs by 2030.
https://wrightbus.com/en-gb/Wrightbus-hydroliner-drives-key-energy-leaders-to-Parliament

#Transport for #London (TfL) reports that road casualties fell to 3,696 in 2024—the lowest outside pandemic years. Serious injuries to children dropped by 12%, and pedestrian injuries by 8%. However, 110 people were still killed, with 81% of those killed or seriously injured walking, cycling or motorcycling. Speed was a factor in around half of all fatal collisions. #TfL continues to tackle road danger by expanding 20mph speed limits and investing £87m in walking and cycling infrastructure across boroughs. Daily cycling trips rose to 1.33 million, with nine cyclists killed, despite overall risk remaining stable. Buses remain the safest road transport, though 13 fatalities involved a bus. TfL is progressing safety efforts through safer junctions, new bus technology, improved HGV standards and victim support services. It remains committed to Vision Zero: eliminating death and serious injury from London’s roads by 2041.
https://tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/road-casualties-at-their-lowest-levels-outside-of-the-pandemic-but-more-to-be-done-to-eliminate-death-and-serious-injury-from-londons-roads

The UK government has removed the need for planning applications to install electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, making it quicker, easier, and cheaper for drivers and businesses. The change, announced by Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, could save drivers up to £1,100 a year and supports wider access to charging infrastructure at homes, workplaces, and public areas.

With nearly 80,000 public chargepoints already in place and one installed every 29 minutes, the move is part of a £2.3 billion investment under the government’s Plan for Change. It aims to boost EV adoption, support British carmakers, and create jobs.

Additional support includes grants of up to £350 for renters or those with on-street parking. The government has also helped install 18,000 workplace sockets in the past year.

Industry leaders welcomed the reforms, saying they will cut delays and reduce costs, accelerating the UK’s transition to EVs and reinforcing its position as a global EV leader.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/less-paperwork-more-chargepoints-government-cuts-red-tape-to-make-it-easier-quicker-and-cheaper-to-switch-to-evs

A plaque and tree have been unveiled at Burnham on Crouch rail station to honour 87-year-old Una Siddall Norman for over 25 years of voluntary service through Greater Anglia’s Station Adoption scheme. Una led efforts to improve the station's appearance, including founding the Burnham Railway Bridge Task Force in 2004 and involving the local community, such as inviting children to help with planting.

The event, organised by the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, celebrated her dedication and included a display of newspaper cuttings highlighting her many accolades. Una is also a current Maldon Town Councillor and has served on Burnham on Crouch Town Council.

Both Greater Anglia and the Community Rail Partnership praised her contributions to enhancing the station and fostering community pride. Greater Anglia’s Station Adoption scheme supports volunteers in making local stations more welcoming and connected to their communities.
https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/news-articles/community-volunteer-celebrated-plaque-unveiling-and-tree-planting

In response to a letter regarding bus stop safety, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) emphasised that safety and accessibility for all users remain key priorities. While physical barriers may deter errant cyclists, they can hinder wheelchair users and those with strollers. Instead, LTA employs visual markings and speed strips to encourage cyclists to slow down near bus stops.

To reduce conflicts between cyclists and commuters, LTA is constructing bypass paths behind bus stops. Cyclists are expected to use these paths and give way to vulnerable users. Where such paths are unavailable, they must slow down or dismount, especially when passengers are boarding or alighting.

LTA takes a firm stance on reckless cycling and will act against those who endanger public safety. Members of the public can report such incidents through LTA’s online feedback form. LTA also continues its efforts to educate users on safe and responsible riding in Singapore.
https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2025/5/media-replies/safety-and-accessibility-prioritised-for-all-users-at-bus-stops.html

Highlights from the Agenda Reports Pack for Transport for London's Audit and Assurance Committee – 4 June 2025
https://board.tfl.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=905

Hugh Creegan, Interim Chief Executive of the National #Transport Authority (NTA), addressed the Joint Committee on Transport on 28 May 2025, outlining the NTA’s remit, including strategic transport planning, service delivery, infrastructure, regulation, and licensing. He was joined by senior colleagues to assist with questions.

The NTA was established under the #Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, initially focused on the Greater Dublin Area. Its remit was broadened nationally before its formal establishment in 2009. Later legislation added taxi, hackney, and limousine regulation following the dissolution of the Commission for Taxi Regulation, and responsibility for vehicle clamping.

The NTA works with the Department of Transport, local authorities, Transport Infrastructure #Ireland, and public and private operators. An appendix provides further detail on current projects and services. Creegan concluded by welcoming questions from Committee members.
https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/opening-statement-to-the-joint-committee-on-transport-on-28th-may-2025/

Transport for London has published new bus priority design guidance – April 2025

Bus priority measures reduce journey times and improve reliability.

Emergency services, including ambulance, police, and fire, also use bus lanes to respond more quickly.
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/streets-toolkit

Video by Transport for London on X:

We’re trialling the classic ‘Ding Ding’ Routemaster sound to help reduce slips, trips and falls on buses 🔔

Should we bring this back?

Episode four of Sound of the Overground, Arriva Rail London’s internal podcast, is now live. Hosts George and Bentley speak with ARL Managing Director Steve Best, who shares his career journey, leadership goals, and plans as the company nears the end of its current concession. Topics include safety improvements, body-worn cameras, Mildmay line challenges, and station upgrades. Steve reflects on achievements like the Shining Stars recognition event and stresses the importance of ARL’s people in delivering “brilliant basics” – a safe, clean and reliable service.
https://www.arrivaraillondon.co.uk/2025/05/27/sound-of-the-overground-its-about-smashing-through-the-finishing-tape-episode-four-now-live/

Thought-provoking artworks promoting action against violence towards women and girls have been unveiled at five West Midlands railway stations. Created by local artist Emily Kaye and commissioned by Heart of England Community Rail Partnership, the pieces were developed in partnership with White Ribbon UK and are displayed at Tile Hill, Adderley Park, Hampton-in-Arden, Marston Green and Stechford. Aimed at engaging men and boys to reflect on behaviours and help end violence, the artworks are visible to millions of rail users annually. This forms part of West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway’s "Your Community, Your Fund" initiative, supported by the Department for Transport. The train operators have named White Ribbon UK their charity partner for 2025/26 and are delivering a three-year action plan to raise awareness through events and installations. The campaign encourages reflection, allyship and lasting cultural change around safety and equality.
https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/white-ribbon-artworks-unveiled-west-midlands-railway-stations

The #Scottish Government is allocating £2 million in 2025–26 to reopen the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Support Fund. Now in its sixth year, the fund supports lower-income households, sole traders and micro businesses within 20km of Scotland’s LEZs. Administered by Energy Saving Trust, it offers £2000 grants for scrapping high-polluting vehicles and up to £1000 in Travel Better vouchers for bikes, e-bikes or public #transport.

The fund aims to improve air quality and public health by removing polluting vehicles and encouraging sustainable travel. Since 2019, over £15 million has been invested, removing more than 4000 polluting vehicles and funding over 2800 bikes. Penalties raised from LEZs are reinvested into climate and air quality initiatives.
https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/2-million-for-low-emission-zone-support-funding-in-2025-26/

A commemorative booklet celebrating 200 years of Britain’s #railways has been produced by the #Essex & South #Suffolk Community Rail Partnership as part of the national #Railway 200 celebrations. Funded by Community Rail Network and authored by local rail enthusiast David Gibson, the 45-page booklet charts the development of the railway from its origins with George and Robert Stephenson to its vital role in wartime and beyond. Supported by Greater Anglia, Network Rail, Rail Delivery Group, and the National Railway #Museum, the booklet features artwork by children from Great Totham Primary, Terling School, and Maltings Academy. Only 500 copies have been produced. The booklet blends history, artwork, and games, offering an engaging look at the railways' legacy. Community and industry leaders praised the project’s educational value and the contribution of local schoolchildren.
https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/news-articles/commemorative-booklet-mark-200-years-railway-launched-greater

Transport for London (TfL) proposes permanently withdrawing school bus route 673, which currently runs one afternoon journey from Pemberton Gardens to Beckton, serving The Warren, Robert Clack and All Saints schools. As it duplicates route 173 from Chadwell Heath High Road, the 673’s vehicle would be reallocated to improve reliability on route 173. Passengers would need to walk around 630m to access route 173 or use routes 62 or 362 to connect. TfL’s Equality Impact Assessment notes some inconvenience for 673 users, but this is outweighed by more reliable journeys on route 173. There is no morning 673 service, so no new travel changes are needed in the morning. The consultation closes on 7 July 2025.
https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/673-bus-route

#Transport for #London (TfL) is consulting on updates to the Congestion Charge to cut traffic, support electric vehicle (EV) uptake and promote sustainable travel. Proposals include raising the daily charge from £15 to £18 from January 2026—the first increase since 2020—and introducing automatic discounts for EVs. From March 2027, only electric vehicles will qualify for the Residents’ discount (for new applicants). A new Cleaner Vehicle Discount will offer phased reductions for electric vans and cars. TfL also proposes annual charge increases in line with inflation and fare rises. Without these changes, congestion could rise by over 2,200 vehicles daily. These measures aim to maintain the charge’s effectiveness, improve air quality, and support London’s shift to a cleaner, greener future. Public consultation is open until 4 August 2025.
https://tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/changes-proposed-to-the-congestion-charge-to-keep-london-moving-encourage-the-uptake-of-electric-vehicles-and-promote-sustainable-travel

The percentage of people entering #Dublin city centre using sustainable transport reached a record 74.1% in 2024, according to the National #Transport Authority’s (NTA) Canal Cordon Report. Of 192,563 inbound travellers, over 142,600 walked, cycled, used public transport or taxis—up from 73.8% in 2023 and 60.7% in 2006.

The report, conducted each November with Dublin City Council, tracks movements at 33 canal cordon points during morning peak hours. Public transport use rose to 111,274, including 32,241 rail users. Bus numbers also increased to 1,718.

Car use continues to fall, with 38,930 recorded—the lowest on record aside from 2020. Active travel is rising, with 10,646 cyclists and 18,564 pedestrians.

An NTA spokesperson said the shift shows that with the right planning and investment, more people are choosing sustainable travel. Further progress is expected through projects like BusConnects, DART+, and improved cycling infrastructure across #Ireland.
https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/percentage-of-people-in-dublin-using-sustainable-transport-modes-hits-a-new-high/

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

Go-Ahead is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Andrew Wickham MBE, Managing Director of Go South Coast.

Andrew served the company for over 30 years, starting with London General before holding senior roles across the Group. He became Managing Director of Go South Coast in 2011, leading the business to multiple national awards and industry recognition. In 2022, his leadership was pivotal when Yellow Buses went into administration; Andrew and his team restored vital services in Bournemouth within 24 hours.

His outstanding contribution to the bus industry was recognised in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours, where he was appointed MBE. Admired for his dedication, leadership, and community focus, Andrew leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Go-Ahead extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed by colleagues across the business.
https://www.go-ahead.com/news/announcement-on-andrew-wickham-mbe/

A Freedom of Information release from #Transport for #London confirms technical details of bus information systems. Screen technologies in use include TFT-LCD and LED displays from suppliers such as Luminator, Navaho, McKenna, and Hanover. Sizes range from 18.5 to 37 inches, with varying specifications depending on the supplier; full specs are available on supplier websites. TfL does not hold unit pricing, as this is managed between Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) and suppliers. Minimum requirements are set for screen size, font, character height, LED pitch, and information content. Digital destination blinds must match the display area of traditional paper blinds (1160mm x 330mm for destinations, 450mm x 330mm for route numbers). Accessibility has improved, with screens now positioned for clear visibility from wheelchair and priority seating areas, and enhanced induction loops installed at key points, including the wheelchair bay, priority seats, and driver cab.
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-0351-2526

A Freedom of Information disclosure published by #Transport for #London confirms that Greenwich Power Station was not activated during the 12 May 2025 incident. The event was caused by a voltage fluctuation due to a National Grid asset fault, not a total loss of power. This fluctuation led to widespread equipment tripping across the London Underground, requiring manual resets. As the station’s role is to supply emergency power only during a complete national grid failure, it was not needed. No systems or lines were powered by the station, and no internal reports or communications were generated regarding its role, as it remained inactive throughout the incident.
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-0578-2526