Member News Subjects

York taxi passengers to get safer, greener rides

New requirements for York taxis and private hire vehicles are set to make them among the safest in the UK as a new policy incorporates national guidance, making them even safer, with fewer emissions and offering greater choice, especially for disabled passengers. An extensive consultation carried out this summer has helped shape a new Taxi…

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Queen Street to close for 5 nights in November

City of York Council has published information to support residents and visitors as a key road near York Station closes over 5 nights in November. As an essential part of works to transform the area to the front of York Station, the new Queen Street diversion road will be closed for five consecutive weeknights. The…

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Night-time road closures planned as Station Gateway project progresses

As work on the Station Gateway project progresses to the next stage, the council is providing an update on upcoming works in the area in October and November. To help them plan ahead, the council is forewarning residents, businesses and commuters that – as part of work to transform the entrance to York Station – contractors…

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TransPennine Express bowls over cricket fans with four extra stops for England vs. Australia match at Chester-le-Street

TransPennine Express (TPE) has added four additional stops to its services for cricket fans attending the highly anticipated England vs. Australia clash at Riverside Ground. So that fans can fully enjoy the day’s events without worrying about transport, one of TPE’s evening services will have a special stop at Chester-le-Street for those heading home to…

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Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe

Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe is the key message from City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council during Cycle to School Week [23-27 September]. Getting to school safely, especially as the nights are now getting darker is one of the most important things taught in schools, through the Bikeability and pedestrian training sessions, which…

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Night works to make improvements to A1079 Hull Road, B1228 Elvington Lane and York Road, Dunnington

City of York Council is carrying out road maintenance works on the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane, and York Road, Dunnington starting next week. From Monday 23 September the council will be resurfacing the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane. This is expected to be completed by the morning of Thursday 10…

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Scrutiny discussion to set a new direction of travel for York

York’s long term Local Transport Strategy will take another step forward next week (24 September) as a draft Implementation Plan is discussed at City of York Council’s Economy, Place, Access and Transport Scrutiny Committee. The Local Transport Strategy, which was adopted in July 2024, has been shaped by residents, businesses and commuters following extensive engagement….

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York celebrates environment weeks with free bus travel from BetterPoints

Residents of York are being invited to celebrate Environment Weeks by walking or taking the bus around town – and be in with the chance to win free bus travel. If you haven’t already signed up to BetterPoints, there’s no better time to join thousands of York residents who are being rewarded for walking, cycling,…

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TransPennine Express welcomes the next generation of railway talent

TransPennine Express (TPE) has opened its doors to eight new apprentices, expanding its team with fresh talent who will experience different areas of the business as part of a popular two-year scheme. The new cohort of apprentices who come from towns and cities across the region including Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and Middlesbrough will receive an…

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Welcome on-board! Introducing TPE’s customer ambassador team who are here to help

TransPennine Express (TPE) has welcomed 21 customer ambassadors to its stations. The train operator introduced the ambassador role temporarily while improvement work was taking place, but they proved so popular with customers that the roles are now here to stay – creating 21 permanent jobs. Identifiable by their dedicated purple hi-vis jackets, the ambassadors play…

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Quarter of a million young people’s tickets sold as York’s bus improvement project brings far-reaching benefits

York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) has reached an important milestone with over 250,000 reduced price bus tickets sold to families and young people. The fare reductions, first introduced in September 2023 and extended to older teenagers in February 2024, are part of an on-going series of investments being made across the city’s network. Funded…

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Brits turn to trains due to rising car costs

Car insurance quotes have risen by £348 on average this year alone and now more than half of UK drivers (56%) say they cannot afford to continue running their car with the increase in costs. New research from TransPennine Express (TPE) found that half (49%) of drivers are seriously worried about the increase in petrol,…

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EV charging points installed at TPE North Yorkshire station

Four electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed at one of TPE’s (TransPennine Express’) North Yorkshire stations – the first at the train operator’s car parks. Customers using the station will now be able to charge their vehicles while they travel by train from Thirsk. The new 22kW facilities were switched on today, Friday…

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Yorkshire gold – Power station celebrates 50 years with train journey across iconic landmark

The UK’s largest producer of renewable power, Drax Power Station, has celebrated its Golden anniversary with the unveiling of a special rail wagon, seen for the first time crossing Yorkshire’s iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. Renewable power pioneer, Drax Group, unveiled the golden liveried Class 66 locomotive operated by GB Railfreight to mark the 50th anniversary of…

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City centre hostile vehicle measures to be completed

The last set of hostile vehicle measures (HVM) to complete the protective ring around the city centre will be installed at the junction of High Ousegate and Piccadilly from Tuesday 27 August, with support being offered to any affected businesses. The new, high-security sliding bollards will sit across the junction of High Ousegate and Parliament…

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New bus service contracts see updates to York routes and two new services for the Germany Beck development

Residents along several bus routes in York will see new operators in September, following a competitive tender process to ensure the future running of key services. The changes are part of City of York Council’s implementation of the local bus services review, which was agreed at Executive in February. They include ensuring the continuation of…

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Creating better crossings in York: trial at key junction aims to reduce pedestrian wait times

City of York Council have announced a trial project to reduce pedestrian wait times at one of the city centre’s key junctions, where Blossom Street, Queen Street, Nunnery Lane and Micklegate meet. Changes to the timing of traffic lights will significantly reduce the amount of time pedestrians wait to cross at this junction.  This project…

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Storm storage: TPE trials new planter at North Yorkshire station

A specially designed planter that captures, uses, and stores rainwater before slowly releasing it into drains has premiered at one of TransPennine Express’ (TPE’s) North Yorkshire stations. The planter at Northallerton station captures water runoff from guttering before it can enter drains, helping to reduce the risk of local drainage networks being overwhelmed during storms,…

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Castle Howard partner with York Pullman to offer direct travel to the historic Estate from York City Centre

Castle Howard and York Pullman are partnering up to offer direct transport from York City Centre over the summer period. Inclusive House, Gardens and Return Travel tickets provide a greener, car-free, convenient and comfortable option for visitors who either don’t have their own transport or are travelling to York by train. The House, Gardens and…

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Millennium Bridge paths re-opened after flood defence work

City of York Council has completed works on the approach paths to Millennium Bridge, ensuring the route will be usable in all but the worst flooding. Work began on Monday 17 June and was completed on Sunday 21 July. It included raising the path at the eastern end to remove a dip which suffered from…

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Cheers to Pennine Pale! TPE’s very own IPA beer now available on-board

TransPennine Express (TPE) has partnered with Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk to introduce ‘Pennine Pale’ as part of its new menu offering. The bespoke beer has been specially created for customers travelling on TPE services and is described as a crisp and refreshing 4.1% session IPA, craft brewed with northern pride and bursting with hoppy citrus…

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Ambitious future awaits as City of York Council unveils route map to a healthier, more sustainable and better connected city

At a meeting next week (18 July) Executive Members will be asked to agree to a new, far reaching Local Transport Strategy which will shape the city’s travel networks until 2040. York’s Local Transport Strategy will prioritise people and set out the future for transport for the whole council area, including the city centre, suburbs,…

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Road Closures on Towthorpe Moor Lane

City of York Council will be carrying out essential drainage works on Towthorpe Moor Lane at the junction with Strensall Road. Work will start on Monday 15 July and last until Thursday 25 July 2024, weather permitting, and will require a road closure at the junction between 8am and 6pm, when work is taking place….

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How driver behaviour impacts safety – AA Yellow Paper

Put simply, every behaviour, emotion, physical symptom, and reaction we have as humans has the potential to negatively impact on our safety when driving. There isn’t a single factor responsible for road collisions. In fact, it’s often a combination of influences. When you delve into the 2022 road collision data (Department for Transport), the top…

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Night-time works to resurface key York road

City of York Council will be carrying out resurfacing works between the A1036 Malton Road, A1237 Outer ring road and Hopgrove Lane roundabouts. Work will start on Tuesday 18 June and last until Wednesday 3 July 2024, weather permitting, and will take place between 9pm and 5am on weekdays. From Tuesday 18 June to Friday…

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Work to start near Millennium Bridge

Work starts next week between Millennium Bridge and Butcher Terrace to improve accessibility and to allow it to stay open for longer when the river levels rise. Work will begin on Monday 17 June 2024 and is expected to last for five weeks. The works will: Raise part of the path (the dip which is…

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UPDATE: Road closures for planned resurfacing works

There have been changes to the times of resurfacing works on Bishopthorpe Road that will require road closures this June. Due to the poor condition of the underlying carriageway, we will be closing Bishopthorpe Road to vehicle traffic on Thursday 6 June and Friday 7 June (6.30pm-Midnight). This will be instead of the closures originally…

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MOU agreed to develop ‘bioship’ technology and plans to construct the world’s first biomass-fuelled ship

New bioship technology would use gas from biomass to propel ship MoU between Japanese and British companies contains plans to develop bioship by the end of the decade Technology could decarbonise shipping of biomass pellets to Japan, potentially reducing carbon emissions by 22% Leading Japanese companies, NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP),…

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Road closures for planned resurfacing works

City of York Council will be carrying out resurfacing works on Bishopthorpe Road and Elvington Lane (B1228) requiring road closures this June. Works will start on Bishopthorpe Road on the evening of Friday 31 May and be complete by Wednesday 19 June, weather permitting. Bishopthorpe road will be closed to vehicle traffic: 6.30 pm on…

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Behind the scenes of TPE’s new timetable as train operator increases services on some routes across the North of England and into Scotland

TransPennine Express (TPE) is showing how its timetable is created ahead of changes to some of its services in June, as well as encouraging customers to be prepared and check their journeys. The new timetable will be brought in from Sunday 2 June, along with the rest of the national rail network. The behind-the -scenes…

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UK first – AA launches a trio of full-electric recovery vehicles

Up to 6000 kg payload and 170 mile range from one charge Major focus on piloting shift to low emissions vehicles in preparation for net zero Fully electric recovery trucks will be hitting the UK’s roads thanks to a pioneering launch from The AA. The move will see The AA become the first UK-based roadside…

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West Yorkshire woman shortlisted for two Women in Rail Awards

A West Yorkshire woman has been nominated for two national awards for her contribution to making the rail industry more inclusive. Harriet Harbidge, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at TransPennine Express (TPE), has been shortlisted for two Women in Rail Awards. Despite her relatively short tenure of just 18 months at TPE, Harriet, a 28-year-old from…

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Another key hire for law firm: partner joins firm’s nationally renowned shipping & transport practice

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce that Gavin Farquhar has joined its nationally renowned shipping & transport practice as a partner. Gavin – who is dual Scottish and English law qualified – has over 30 years’ broad experience acting nationally and internationally for a range of businesses operating in the…

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Major acquisition for Leeds based Privilege Executive Cars

After months of hard work, Privilege Executive Cars are proud to announce our acquisition of Elite Voyager Chauffeur Travel. This acquisition will further increase our presence in the industry whilst expanding our client base, executive fleet, and chauffeurs to further provide a quality, safe and professional service. “We look forward to working with all our…

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New temporary road reopens after work to remove parts of Queen Street Bridge

Following two weekends of intensive work, significant progress has been made on the Station Gateway project which looks to transform the area around York’s historic railway station. The past two weekends have seen Queen Street Bridge closed to all users. The first weekend saw the completion of a temporary diversion road. The second saw work…

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Drivetech launches driver training course to boost minibus safety

Drivetech, part of The AA, is on a mission to improve safety while traveling by minibus with the launch of its latest dedicated driver training course. Minibus Safe Drive has been specifically designed to support minibus drivers with the unique range of skills required, as well as improve driver and passenger wellbeing. With minibuses in…

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Reminder: second Queen Street bridge closure to take place this weekend

City of York Council is reminding residents and visitors that a second road closure will take place this weekend as part of the Station Gateway project. This follows the first closure which took place last weekend and saw the creation of the new temporary diversion road. Queen Street Bridge, the new temporary road and the…

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TPE on track to break taboos around women’s health

TransPennine Express (TPE) has signed up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, helping to drive positive change in the workplace. By joining this scheme, the train operator pledges its commitment to colleagues with endometriosis, promising to raise awareness and break taboos surrounding women’s health issues. One in ten women suffer from endometriosis, a painful and…

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Statement: Queen Street Bridge closures

Following the weekend’s closure, Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Transport and Economy, said: “It is so far so good with Queen St works and big thanks go out to everyone involved in helping make this weekend go so smoothly. We are only half-way through this part of the…

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Key York road to close for two weekends in April

City of York Council has published information to support residents and visitors with a key road in the city set to close for two weekends this month. As an essential part of works to transform the entrance to York Station, parts of Station Road and Queen Street Bridge will be closed from 8pm on Friday…

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Key York road to close in April

York’s Queen Street Bridge is set to close in April. To help them plan ahead, the council is forewarning residents and commuters that – as part of work to transform the entrance to York Station –  Queen Street Bridge is set to be closed from 8pm on Friday 19 April 2024 to 6am on Monday 22…

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All York Family bus ticket price reduced from Easter Holidays

Families planning a day trip in York this Easter will be able to travel on the city’s bus network all day for a reduced price of just £5.50 for five people – just £1.10 each – using an All York Family ticket. The offer was previously available for a trial period during summer 2023, with…

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Statement: York outer ring road

In response to last night’s meeting Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Transport and the Economy said: “We welcome approval from the planning committee, which is a significant milestone and the latest step in the journey to dual York’s Outer Ring Road. “Our Council Plan lays out how it…

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Azets and Andrew Jackson help York bus company get on board with First Group

A deal has been completed for the sale of York Pullman Bus Company Ltd (“York Pullman”), with advisory services from top 10 UK accountancy firm Azets and regional law firm Andrew Jackson. The long-established family business has been acquired by FirstGroup plc, which represents a strategic expansion in the North Yorkshire transport sector. Azets advised…

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TIER to end e-scooter and e-bike trial in York

City of York Council has been informed that TIER do not wish to extend their contract, thereby taking the decision to end its e-scooter and e-bike trial in York. The trial was part of the Department for Transport micro-mobility trial and has been operating since September 2020 in York. The TIER service in York will…

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Blue Badge holders’ second route into footstreets opens one month early

One month ahead of time, Blue Badge holders’ access into the city centre has been fully restored. Holders of valid Blue Badges and their drivers will once again be able to drive into the city centre at any time via Blake Street from 1 March. Access through Goodramgate opened on 4 January 2024. By making…

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Resident feedback brings changes to cashless parking plans

The Executive Member for Economy and Transport has agreed to allow cash payments to continue in two council car parks following strong resident feedback. The decision was made at a public meeting this week (20 February). In July 2023 it was agreed that the council would go out to consultation on plans to move all…

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Bus network progress to be heard at Council Executive

Three important updates on York’s bus network will be presented to City of York Council’s Executive on Tuesday 20 February. The first follows a review of the city’s existing bus network, undertaken by independent consultants Momentum. The results of their report will be used for long-term planning but have also informed some more immediate proposals to…

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