Here are some links to transport-related websites in the UK. The list will be updated as
new sites are assessed, but please see the disclaimer at the foot of the page. Regular,
random checks are made to verify that all the links still work, but if you find one that's faulty, please report it
through the feedback link, also at the bottom of the page.
Current categories:
Aviation |
General Interest |
Heritage Railways
Maritime |
Transport Trade Associations
Transport Policy |
Transport Publications
Travel Enquiries & Operators
Aviation
Civil Aviation Authority
The CAA is the regulatory authority for civil aviation in the UK and their website reflects
this important role.
General Interest
Doug Rose
I first met Doug Rose back in 1986 when I was working in the bus industry and my employer was using FWT Studios for cartography and other services. Doug has an interesting take on life
and a visit to his comprehensive website will soon reveal his particular philosophy. A cartographer by vocation, Doug also has a strong interest in graphic design and his pages on typography are well worth reading if
you share this interest. Highly recommended.
Invectis
Dave Parker's site dedicated to the Isle of Wight contains much of interest for anyone with a love for the Garden Isle.
PhotoVectis
My personal photographic website is being developed as time allows and will feature equipment reviews, general articles on aspects of photography and some gallery pages of non-transport images.
The Transport Archive
This looks to be a promising site with lots of potential for the historian and enthusiast.
Apparently, its aim is to tell the story of Britain's transport system from the eighteenth century to the present day. There
are currently three "sub-sites" looking at aviation, canals and railways.
Heritage Railways
Bluebell Railway
One of Britain's railway preservation pioneers, the Bluebell celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2010. There is currently keen anticipation of the day when its services reach East Grinstead. News of
progress is published regularly on the comprehensive website.
Heritage Railway Association
A guide to the entire heritage railway scene in the UK and Ireland, including details of
special events, trains and operating days for all steam railways.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Over the last 30 years or so the almost constant attrition of the remaining Ryde-Shanklin line
makes it difficult to envisage happier times when the Isle of Wight boasted a rail network of some 55 route miles. However,
you can get a feel for those days by travelling on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton.
The railway's headquarters at Havenstreet are well worth a visit, even if you don't have the time for a train ride.
Llangollen Railway
I must confess to having a deep affection for the Llangollen Railway, having enjoyed driving and firing several steam locomotives over the line since 2004. For my money, there is no finer setting for
a heritage railway station than Llangollen itself and the journey along the Dee Valley to Carrog is marked by a succession of stunning vistas. I have found the permanent and volunteer staff there to be very friendly and welcoming,
making each visit a memorable and enjoyable experience.
National Railway Museum
Not strictly a heritage railway in its own right, but certainly a key player in preserving Britain's railway heritage. The NRM's policy of constantly rotating and reviewing exhibits means that there's
always something new to see. An essential visit for anyone even remotely interested in railways and their development.
Maritime
Freight by Water
Formally known as Sea & Water, this is a body set up to promote greater use of coastal shipping and inland waterways for freight movements.
Transport Industry Trade Associations
Association of Train Operating Companies
As the name implies, ATOC is the trade association for train operators. It describes itself as "the voice for the passenger rail industry" and the ATOC website contains some useful information.
Confederation of Passenger Transport
CPT is the trade association for bus, coach, light rail and metro operators. The website provides statistics and transport related data and is a good source of general information.
Transport Policy
Campaign for Better Transport (formerly
Transport 2000)
Transport 2000 was for many years one of the few sane voices in transport policy debate. In the
early years of the 21st century it has undergone a change of image to emerge as the Campaign for Better Transport, a
highly appropriate name to reflect the role it continues to perform admirably.
Department for Transport
Not surprisingly, this government department's website is a comprehensive reference source.
Featured topics include accessibility issues, accident investigation, aviation, FAQs, freight, local transport, railways,
road safety, shipping and ports, sustainable travel, transport strategy and statistics.
Environmental Transport Association
ETA is a motoring organisation similar to the AA and RAC, with the important exception that
it takes a refreshingly sensible approach to sustainable transport policies.
RailFuture
Formerly known as the Railway Development Society, RailFuture is an independent national
organisation campaigning for the interests of rail users, both passenger and freight.
Slower Speeds Initiative
This site is the antedote to media hype and misinformation from irresponsible sections of the
motoring lobby. Learn the truth about safety cameras and the relationship between speed and injury accidents.
Transport Publications
Buses
One of Ian Allan's stable of transport periodicals, Buses is pitched at the enthusiast
market, although there is much of interest to industry professionals.
Modern Railways
Another Ian Allan stalwart, Modern Railways is required reading for anyone involved in,
or on the periphery of, the rail industry. It contains a good balance of technical features, policy and operations.
Highly recommended.
RAIL
In its early days RAIL magazine was clearly aimed at the enthusiast market, but it has matured into a journal that is now also widely read by professionals. Comprehensive rolling stock coverage remains a strong feature, but now backed up with some good articles on policy and operation.
Travel Enquries & Operators
Green Line Travel
One of the oldest names in the British transport industry, now effectively just a marketing
umbrella for selected coach services and excursions in the South East of England. Their website contains timetable
information for scheduled coach services, as well as day trips and other promotions.
National Rail
This site describes itself as "the gateway to Britain's National Rail network". As you might
expect, it features comprehensive information on times and fares, plus appropriate links.
Public Transport Information
The UK Public Transport Information website, featuring bus, coach, rail, air and ferries.
* Disclaimer *
All websites listed on this page have been visited and evaluated personally
by me. However, no responsibility can be accepted for the content or accuracy of information sourced
through these links.
Trevor Whelan