Carbon cuts ++ The Railway Industry Association has warned that the rate of reducing railway carbon emissions is ‘lagging behind other transport modes by some distance’. RIA was reacting to the government’s response to a Commons Transport Committee report, in which the government says it only ‘partially agrees’ with the Committee’s call for a long-term decarbonisation plan. RIA technical director David Clarke said: ‘This isn’t just bad news for rail decarbonisation, it makes reaching Net Zero by 2050 less likely. All the government’s commitments need to be achieved if the UK is to reach Net Zero. A lack of progress in any one area jeopardizes the whole plan. In its response to the Committee’s report, the DfT says that the Great British Railways Transition Team will “bring forward costed options” for rail decarbonisation, something which we need to see as soon as possible. Alongside this, we need some flesh on the bone when it comes to the Integrated Rail Plan, including a response to the Committee’s report on the plan, which is currently eight months overdue.’

Interchange ++ Scottish transport minister Fiona Hyslop has opened the newly-modernised transport interchange at Motherwell. Ms Hyslop was joined by ScotRail chief operating officer Joanne Maguire, North Lanarkshire councillor Paul Kelly and SPT chief executive Valerie Davidson. The concourse has been enlarged, the forecourt improved and waiting areas upgraded. Links between trains and buses have also been made more effective.

Charity ++ The Railway Benefit Fund is seeking a new chief executive to lead the charity through its next stage of growth and development. Current CEO Claire Houghton announced her retirement earlier this year. Claire’s departure provides an opportunity for a person with ‘vision, drive, and passion’, the charity said. The deadline for applications is 26 June.