52 episodes
Green Signals Green Signals Productions
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- News
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4.8 • 33 Ratings
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Green Signals is a show about railways - its politics, its economics, its people and history. We turn over the issues of the day and talk to the people making the decisions that affect all our lives. We also dig into many of the amazing events in the history of an industry that spans nearly 200 years. Nigel Harris (former Managing Editor and Events Director of the leading industry and opinion forming magazine RAIL) and Richard Bowker (former Chair & CEO of the Strategic Rail Authority) steer the show to make it sometimes controversial, frequently irreverent - but always topical and relevant.
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43. Glenfinnan viaduct: Jacobite steam train route repairs & HS2 Old Oak Common station progress
Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the world's most iconic railway viaducts, is having major repair work carried out. The Director of Engineering for Scotland's railway talks to us about repairs to the iconic structure on the route of the Jacobite Steam Train
The Government launches its first piece of railway legislation in double quick time – but we ask where (Shadow) Great British Railways has got to?
A vast number of train tickets on Britain's railway are sold by third parties. We speak with Anthony Smith, the new Chair of the Independent Rail Retailers Association about the opportunities and challenges in the sector.
In good news, HS2’s Old Oak Common station reaches a major milestone – and the head of the project tells us all about it!
And Nigel gets all misty eyed over 1970's Prog Rock....... -
42. Frightening level crossing CCTV! Flying Scotsman at Locomotion & ScotRail cuts 600 services
Frightening level crossing misuse footage from Network Rail’s Wessex region highlights the true dangers of abusing the railway.
ScotRail slashes 600 services and introduces a temporary timetable because of lack of availability of staff for overtime and rest-day working, as it battles on with the rail unions.
World-famous Flying Scotsman heads to the National Railway Museum’s Locomotion in Shildon for a special summer visit.
The Isle of Wight Bus and Rail User Group speaks to us about further Island Line closures.
And in good news, the TransPennine Route Upgrade launches a Community programme to improve local facilities and spaces along the 75-mile route.
Green Signals:
Website - http://www.greensignals.org
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals
Newsletter - http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow:
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
Instagram - https://instagram.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail) -
41. Royal Mail trains to run no more, inside the Severn Tunnel & priorities for new Government
Is Royal Mail quitting rail after 194 years? Royal Mail announces that it will scrap its trains, but tells us it will continue to use rail services. The question is… how much?
Louise Haigh becomes Transport Secretary and Lord Peter Hendy is appointed a Minister at the Department for Transport. We examine their in-trays and key priorities.
Richard gets to go underground in the Severn Tunnel on a very special trip to find out about major track renewals through this monster of a tunnel.
And the brand-new Northumberland Line fares are announced – with some brilliant offers!
Green Signals:
Website - http://www.greensignals.org
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals
Newsletter - http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow:
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
Instagram - https://instagram.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail) -
40. 75,000 Unlawful train fare prosecutions & UK's final coal train runs
Could 75,000 train fare evasion prosecutions be unlawful? We discuss train operators’ use of the Single Justice Procedure and the rather extraordinary situation that appears to be unfolding in the courts.
The Isle of Wight railway - Island Line - faces LONG closures for maintenance – AGAIN.
LNER and other train companies launch a Be Kind initiative to tackle unacceptable abuse towards staff.
It’s the end of the line for King Coal on rail – a 200 year old relationship ends when the final coal train runs.
And in good news, the railway family raise £200,000 in the 3 peaks challenge!
This week’s quiz: My first is in copper but not in gold, my second is in tin but not in bold. My third is in magnesium but not in silver. My fourth is in zinc, but not in river. And my fifth is in metal, but not in wood. I am sleek and I am fast, but who am I?
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Green Signals:
Website - http://www.greensignals.org
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals
Newsletter - http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow:
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
Instagram - https://instagram.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail) -
Andy Byford EXTRAORDINARY interview! Elizabeth Line, New York MTA, Toronto transit & Amtrak
The man who ran the three largest transit systems in three continents… Andy Byford a.k.a. ‘Train Daddy’s’ list of jobs is quite extraordinary. He’s been Operations Director of Rail Corp in New South Wales, Australia; CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission; CEO of New York Mass Transit Authority; and of course Commissioner for Transport at Transport for London in the UK.
There have been some massive highs – getting Crossrail finished and opening the Elizabeth Line, sorting out the Toronto Transit Commission, which he inherited in a real state and turned it round into North America’s best transit authority.
But there have been some real challenges as well… not least his final year in New York.
In this interview, Andy talks openly and honestly about all stages of his career, right through to his current role where he is responsible for the high speed rail programmes at Amtrak.
What really comes across is his passion and determination for getting the basics right, for leading from the front, and for backing his people whatever the role, however large the organisation, and whatever attacks they are facing. It’s a truly inspirational story.
Green Signals:
Website - http://www.greensignals.org
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals
Newsletter - http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow:
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
Instagram - https://instagram.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail) -
39. Does Locomotive Services Ltd plan to rival the Jacobite steam train? We ask LSL's MD!
Is the Jacobite Steam Train about to have a powerful rival in the new partnership between Locomotive Services Ltd & the Scottish Railway Preservation Society? We speak to LSL Managing Director Tony Bush to find out!
We preview a not-to-be-missed interview coming very soon with former Transport for London Commissioner, Andy Byford (known in the US as ‘Train Daddy’)
We take a thrilling ride on the Ffestiniog Railway’s Gravity Train
Some shocking images from the CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour in Mexico highlight the true dangers of trespass – as a woman is tragically killed while attempting to take a selfie with Canadian Pacific 2816
And… Avanti West Coast welcomes the final refurbished Pendolino back to the fleet, completing the biggest ever UK fleet upgrade
Green Signals:
Website - http://www.greensignals.org
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals
Newsletter - http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow:
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
Instagram - https://instagram.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)
Customer Reviews
Just an everyday passenger …
… and accidentally just stumbled upon this podcast but really helps me understand the complexity behind getting me to work and back home again at night.
One of the best and informative podcasts out there
This podcast has given me a greater understanding of how the railway system works, the complexities of having the government involved, the ticket issuance and the rolling stock all delivered by two candid men who should be running the country.