As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look at TransportSecretary Heidi Alexander’s first year…
We review the key moments from 2025…
And we take stock of the year that was Railway 200, with apreviously unseen interview about the Greatest Gathering.
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:34) Heidi Alexander’s first year
(17:08) 2025’s key moments
(39:15) Thanks to supporters
(41:07) Greatest Gathering interview
(01:04:24) The Quiz
(01:08:55) HS2 milestones in 2025
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Credits -
Thumbnail image: Department for Transport
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
2025 finally saw some action to please those who have long campaigned for better use to be made of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link between London and the mainland of Europe.
Virgin Trains was successful in winning the right to access the all-important maintenance yards at Temple Mills in North London and the British Government signed two Memoranda of understanding with the German and Swiss Governments respectively.
But it is not straightforward to run direct services from London to other major European cities other than Paris, Bruxelles and Amsterdam. There are many issues to overcome.
Jon Worth is one of the leading authorities on cross channel rail and his latest report is an extraordinarily detailed and thorough review of what all those challenges are – and how to fix them. It is essential reading for policymakers, politicians and anyone interested in understanding finding out what is really going on. I spoke with Jon to find out more.
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Credits -
Thumbnail image: Jon Worth
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Leeds Tram is delayed until the end of the 2030s!
RAIB issues an urgent safety update on lineside monitoring equipment
And RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey makes some concerning comments in a recent interview
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:28) Leeds Tram delayed
(19:29) RAIB urgent safety update
(28:58) Channel Tunnel Rail report teaser
(36:03) RMT interview with PoliticsHome
(42:44) Thanks to Supporters
(44:23) Railway News Round-up
(44:25) Five new station to open in Birmingham
(45:38) RAIB London Bridge report
(46:53) Cruach snow shed is no more!
(47:42) Driverless trams for Coventry?
(49:07) The Quiz
(53:06) Lynton and Barnstaple Railway raises £30k from a game
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Credits -
Thumbnail image: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Great British Railways gets a new look… and meets with almost universal derision!
Billwatch returns to Green Signals with the second reading of the Railways Bill
And we find out how one of the biggest timetable changes in recent years has gone so far…
In this episode
(00:00) Intro
(00:27) GBR gets a new look
(08:03) Railways Bill second reading
(28:43) New railway timetable
(35:42) LNER intermediate stops
(39:20) ORR CEO steps down
(42:51) GWR fleet problems
(47:47) Thanks to Supporters
(49:10) Railway News Round-Up
(49:12) TfL awards new London Overground contract
(51:00) Bee Network updates
(51:58) Final HST in England
(53:08) Reopening of the line through Ross on Wye
(55:25) Greatest Gathering raises £100k
(56:39) Garmouth/Spey Viaduct collapse
(59:33) The Quiz
(01:02:28) Avanti West Coast Railway Children Christmas film
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Credits -
Thumbnail image: Department for Transport
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Imagine being able to implement signalling solutions in days, not decades? Well, that’s the vision of Universal Signalling, an exciting new signalling tech start-up who are doing things differently – and to great effect.
They also have a smart approach to research, development and roll out by starting small, building knowledge and experience and growing from there.
Their first significant deployment is their U-Cross system which is being trialled on the Heart of Wales line between Llandeilo and Llandovery. It has the potential to revolutionise the safe and hassle-free operation of the 126 User Worked Crossings on the 96 miles of the Heart of Wales line, and plenty other of rural lines in Wales and Borders alone. We recently visited Llandovery to see the trial in action including installation of the equipment and learn more about this exciting technology.
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
It’s our first Billwatch! We examine the Transport Select Committee’s recent scrutiny of the Railways Bill ahead of its second reading this week…
Great British Railways unveils a new livery for GBR trains.
London to Germany by Eurostar! Excellent, but when can we book tickets?
And Richard gets a behind-the-scenes look at a potentially game-changing new signalling solution…
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:30) Billwatch: Scrutiny at the TSC
(30:11) New GBR livery
(36:38) London to Germany by train!
(39:17) Universal Signalling visit
(44:04) Thanks to Supporters
(45:19) Railway News Round-up
(45:22) ECML timetable change
(46:39) Railway Performance Society stats
(48:23) Fake AI image delays trains
(49:28) HS2 Phase 2A powers to expire
(50:25) New open access application for Wrexham
(52:06) The Quiz
(53:40) Parcels as Passengers trial
** Link to buy Main Line to the South Part 3 from Strathwood **https://strathwood.co.uk/products/main-line-to-the-south-part-3-swaythling-st-denys-northam-southampton-terminus-and-southampton-central
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Credits -
Thumbnail image: Network Rail
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Avanti West Coast is forced to run a ‘Ghost’ Manchester toLondon train… until they weren’t, when the decision was reversed!
Richard eats some humble pie over the fares freeze last week– and we update on how much it’s going to cost the taxpayer
And after months of speculation, Alex Hynes is announced asthe new CEO of DFTO
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:29) The 07:00 Ghost Train that wasn’t
(17:42) Fares freeze update
(34:45) Alex Hynes is appointed to DFTO
(41:06) Thanks to Supporters
(42:54) Railway News Round-up
(42:59) GBRf Class 99s arrive
(43:51) West of England service restored
(44:51) Dean Forest Railway RAIB report
(46:14) TfGM plans for Denton
(48:11) AECOM appointed to take forward Leamside Line plans
(50:24) The Quiz
(52:53) LNER Grantham station Azuma planter
** Link to buy The British Railways Stories Vols 1, 2, 3, & 4 from Strathwood **
https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-full-set-of-the-british-railways-stories-vols-1-2-3-4
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Important Notes:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.
None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Booking train tickets in the UK is complicated – and knowing how to find the cheapest train tickets can be even harder. This is the complete guide, verified by experts, on how to do it. And if you get overwhelmed by information – just watch the bits you really need to know about, and make sure you check out the Quick Fire Step-By-Step Summary at the end.
Your questions answered:
(00:00) Intro
(00:23) 1. What is the cheapest way to buy train tickets?
(01:29) 2. What is the best website to book train tickets?
(03:33) 3. What is split-ticketing?
(05:28) 4. How do I know which type of train ticket to buy?
(08:52) 5. What day of the week are train tickets cheapest?
(09:14) 6. Is there a way to get discounted train tickets?
(10:29) 7. Is a Railcard worth it?
(11:36) 8. When does a season ticket make sense?
(13:31) 9. How do I get my ticket? And what happens if I lose it?
(14:58) 10. When can I claim a refund or compensation?
(15:27) 11. How can I get the best deals on First Class train tickets?
(16:10) 12. What if I want to make an epic journey by rail?
(18:22) 13. What about travelling with children?
(19:19) 14. What about onward travel via bus or the Underground?
(20:13) 15. Can I take my bicycle/dog/kitchen sink with me?
(21:35) The Quick-Fire Step-By-Step Summary
Useful Links when booking train tickets:
The Man in Seat Sixty-One is a genuine expert on booking train tickets, especially if you want to travel a long distance or elsewhere in the world. Check out his website: https://www.seat61.com/
Annual Gold Card area map:
Here’s that confusing map to show you where you can use one:
https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/23LngqwDfggHprWTDmhnLP/cb14d3813ce376a5d319790c0955dada/Gold_Card_Area_of_Validity_Map_June_2023.pdf
Transport for London ticket options:
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/ways-to-pay/travelcards-and-group-tickets
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Rail fares are frozen for 2026! But is it wise and could there be unwanted consequences?
No passenger trains for East West Rail until 2026 – more than a year after it became operational. We ask what’s going on?
And we see the future of track worker protection demonstrated, as the use of “Lookouts” comes to an end on the mainline railway.
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:35) Rail fares freeze for 2026
(13:21) East West Rail: No trains until 2026
(22:07) An end to lookout working
(36:07) Thanks to Supporters
(40:00) Railway News Round-up
(40:04) One bashed bridge costs £50k
(41:10) CrossCountry RMT strike action
(42:58) No new trains for rural north of Scotland
(45:00) CAF legal action over Translink procurement
(46:28) Robot dog detects freight train defects in Lithuania
(48:45) The Quiz
(51:32) Accrington station adoption group
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
In a wide ranging and refreshingly direct and no-nonsense interview, Green Signals talks to Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson and member of the Transport Select Committee.
We cover the Railways Bill, the role of Government, the need to put in place a rolling programme of electrification and investment more widely, the pros and cons of rolling stock leasing and much more.
Olly spent plenty of time working in senior roles in the railway industry before becoming an MP and so his comments are rooted in a deep understanding of the issues. He doesn’t pull any punches and suggests the Government might want to look at themselves in the mirror and especially the civil servants working in the Department for Transport before they complain about the mess they perceive the railways to be in.
The Railways Bill debates promise to be suitably lively.
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Secretary of State for Transport updates the Transport Select Committee on her Department’s performance so far. But what score does she get from Green Signals?
Storm Claudia hits the railway, but one particular incident had us scratching our heads…
And Northern launches a plan to reach 30 million more passenger journeys by 2030 – and we find out more.
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:35) Heidi Alexander at the Transport Select Committee
(34:08) Storm Claudia hits the railway
(39:37) Northern 30 by 30 plan
(53:37) Thanks to supporters
(55:07) Railway News Round-up
(55:10) Transport for London withdraws new DLR trains
(56:36) Is Treasury considering using CPI for rail fares rises?
(57:48) King Charles III opens Taffs Well depot
(58:40) East Midlands Railway Class 810 Auroras to enter service
(1:00:43) The Quiz
(1:03:15) LNER hero Samir Zitouni leaves hospital
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
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Credits:
Thumbnail image of Heidi Alexander - Heidi Alexander ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble (Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Railways Bill is here… but what will it all mean? And HOW will it be delivered? What happened when a Pendolino derailed at Shap last week?
And Transport for Greater Manchester announces amazingticketing reforms! But where's the catch?
BOOK TICKETS FOR THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY GREEN SIGNALS 'JOLLY'!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/severn-valley-railway-green-signals-jolly-day-tickets-1900231005089?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode
(00:00) Intro
(00:28) Railways Bill
(24:52) Olly Glover MP interview preview
(28:15) Shap Pendolino derailment
(33:52) Transport for Greater Manchester ticketing changes
(39:30) Remembrance Day Poppies to Paddington
(41:30) Severn Valley Railway video teaser
(45:54) Thanks to supporters
(47:41) Railway News Round-up
(47:43) ASLEF new General Secretary
(48:44) Transport for London RMT pay deal
(50:07) Waterloo-Exeter Line hourly service returns
(51:18) Athenry to Claremorris to be reopened
(54:14) Manea semaphore signals dismantled
(55:18) The Quiz
(57:30) GB Railfreight Class 99s authorised
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Severn Valley Railway is one of Britain’s premier heritage railway lines. Running between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth it delights tens of thousands of visitors each year with its faithful recreation of a quintessentially Great Western Railway line coupled with bold and progressive events such as its very popular diesel galas catering for the more modern heritage rail enthusiast.
We visited the SVR during the recent Class 37 Diesel Gala when no fewer than 10 Class 37s were assembled from across the country to celebrate 65 years of the class. We spent time with Gus Dunster, Managing Director of the line to talk about the challenges of keeping such a large operation on a sustainable footing. We visit the steam locomotive workshops at Bridgnorth, the signalbox at Kidderminster, the Traction maintenance depot also at Kidderminster. And Richard gets to look round and start up one of his beloved Class 40s.
It's a magnificent railway and this video provides a unique and behind the scenes insight into what makes it tick.
JOIN US ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY FOR A GREEN SIGNALS 'JOLLY'!https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/severn-valley-railway-green-signals-jolly-day-tickets-1900231005089?aff=oddtdtcreator
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Credits:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
This episode is livestreamed from the Railway Industry Association Annual Conference in London!
The Railways Bill is finally here…
Former Rail Minister and Chair of the High Speed Rail Group Huw Merriman joins us on stage
And we round up the news from what has been a difficult week for the railway…
LINK TO BOOK SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY ‘JOLLY’ DAY:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/severn-valley-railway-green-signals-jolly-day-tickets-1900231005089?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode:
The Railways Bill is launched
Huw Merriman joins us on stage
Railway News Round-up
Huntingdon knife attack on LNER train
Avanti West Coast Pendolino derailment at Shap
Rail ridership and revenue figures
First Group open access application for Lumo
Severn Valley Railway Green Signals ‘Jolly’
Strathspey Railway £1m donation
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Credits:
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Eurostar has been a feature of the UK railway landscapesince 1994. But in all that time it has been the monopoly provider – and the cracks began to show some time ago. The reduction in routes, the closure of Ebbsfleet and Ashford, the fact that Stratford International has never been used for Eurostar services and what consumers say are unjustifiably sky-high prices have all added to the clamour for competition to shake things up.
That day got a lot closer last week, when the Office of Railand Road said that it would be directing Eurostar to allow Virgin Trains to use Temple Mills International depot, the key that unlocks the competition opportunity.
In this video we speak with Jon Worth, an acknowledgedexpert on all matters channel tunnel rail and European rail services to unpack what has happened, why it’s a big deal and what happens next.
We also have an exclusive interview with Phil Whittingham, Project Lead at Virgin Group who has led Virgin to this point and must now get all the hard work done to be able to start services in 2030. And we talk to Diccon Spain, the Spokesperson and Political Liaison Officer for the very high profile ‘Bring Back Euro Trains’ to Ashford and Ebbsfleet campaign. We discuss whether that aspiration is now any closer to reality. This discussion goes far further than anything else that has been reported since the ORR’s announcement. We don’t just repeat the press statements – but go deep into what has happened and why, and why there are still many questions to be answered.
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(01:18) What about the bidders that didn't win?
(05:00) Virgin Trains interview
(14:02) Analysis of Virgin's plans
(21:24) Diccon Spain on Ashford and Ebbsfleet
(36:02) Analysis of additional stops
(43:26) Is there more to come from Trenitalia?
(56:55) Summary of what's happened
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Thumbnail image - Virgin Trains
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Eurostar orders double-decker trains – but will we see anyof them in the UK?
The reopening of the Cowley branch in Oxford in announced…but is everything quite as it seems?
And HS2’s link from Delta Junction to Handsacre junction isdelayed by a further FOUR years.
In this episode:
(00:30) Eurostar orders double-decker trains
(21:39) Cowley branch to reopen
(30:40) HS2 Handsacre junction delayed
(35:45) Thanks to Supporters
(38:44) Railway News Round-up
(38:46) Beaulieu Park station opens
(39:46) Beacon Rail to buy Eversholt Rail
(42:20) Train drivers in top ten best-paid jobs
(44:09) Students fined £140k for delay repay fraud
(45:47) Network Rail gets confused about clocks
(47:02) The Quiz
(52:28) New patron for 72010 Hengist locomotive project
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Credits:
Thumbnail image - Alstom SA
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
The Planning Act 2008 was designed to seriously improve (and speed up) the process for securing consent for major projects – by establishing something called a Nationally Significant Infrastructure project.
But when the planning application alone for the Lower Thames Crossing has cost some £300m so far without a spade in the ground, can we say that it has? And why did HS2 still go down the Hybrid Bill route, event though by that stage, the Planning Act was on the statute books.
To dig deep into these issues, Green Signals was able to speak with two of the countries most experienced former planning inspectors, now both working for consultant Infrastructure Matters.
Rynd Smith and Menaka Sahai are not just two former inspectors. Rynd holds the record for the most number of DCO Examinations chaired, including Lower Thames Crossing. Menaka has 25 years experience of planning matters and has examined multiple infrastructure projects worth billions.
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(03:35) What is an NSIP – and who decides if your project is one?
(06:24) What is the process for getting your project though to a Development Consent Order
(10:38) How do ordinary citizens raise legitimate concerns and what happens if they become repetitive and inconsequential?
(13:17) Is there a danger of consulting too much these days?
(16:24) Why does the rail sector seem to have lagged behind on using this process compared to say highways or energy?
(19:51) Did we get it wrong in hindsight using a Hybrid Bill process for HS2?
(26:05) Lower Thames Crossing – how on earth did we get to 350,000 pages and £270 million – is that not evidence enough that the process is broken?
(37:35) Is the Chancellor right that we spend far too much time worrying about bats and newts, or does that sentiment risk damaging the environment?
• Just what is the right balance – and how do we get to that point?
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Thumbnail image - National Highways
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
It is not that many years ago that the train operator in Wales was working to a franchise agreement that many criticised as ‘no growth’. Whether that was entirely fair or not, there was no doubt that train services in Wales were being run with ageing trains on infrastructure that in many places needed significant upgrade and investment. Fast forward to 2025 and the position has been totally transformed. Transport for Wales is now in charge of forging a new path and they are doing a pretty good job of it. The Core Valley Lines are unrecognisable compared to the recent past with brand new rolling stock, electrification, upgraded stations and the promise of metro style frequencies. Now attention is turning to North Wales with the hope that similar change can be achieved there. The leader of this transformation is James Price, CEO of Transport for Wales. Although he may at first come across as a careful and measured individual, it is quickly clear that James is passionate and determined to improve the transport provision in Wales and the evidence so far is he is succeeding. In this interview, we cover a wide range of topics such as South Wales Metro, Network North Wales, challenges with Rolling stock, Great British Railways and how it might affect Wales in the future, and of course HS2 and the Barnett formula. James doesn’t duck any question and there is a refreshing directness to his approach. It seems that the railways in Wales are at last in good hands.
Spanish train builder CAF is blacklisted by the UN… but what does that mean for its contracts in the UK?
We preview an interview with Transport for Wales’s James Price – and explain the Barnett Formula
And we discuss how projects get through the planning system… and what’s wrong with the system!
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:32) CAF ‘blacklisted’ by the United Nations
(09:01) 25th Anniversary of Hatfield rail crash
(11:44) James Price interview preview
(15:49) The Barnett Formula explained
(23:40) Planning mega projects
(29:26) Thanks to Supporters
(31:00) Railway News Round-up
(31:05) New national rail clock design
(33:49) Westbury foot crossing debate(36:58) RMT declares pay dispute with Network Rail
(39:05) Tarka line worth £1bn to economy?
(41:06) Plaque for Rev W Awdry’s house
(41:51) Ashington wins World Cup of Stations
(44:11) The Quiz
(46:30) First passenger train departs Litchurch Lane
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Andy Mellors is a career railwayman with a successful careerin railway engineering and other senior leadership positions. In March 2023 he took on his biggest challenge to date –Managing Director of Avanti West Coast. The challenge hasbeen tough and there is still much to do but there is evidence the supertanker is beginning to turn.
In this candid interview, we talk to Any about a wide rangeof issues including what went wrong when Avanti took over from Virgin Trains, whether First Trenitalia got the bid wrong, what is happening with recruitment of drivers in particular and whether the business has the right contracts in place now with its people.
We also talk about diversionary routes, performance issuesand plans for the future as well as how Great British Railways might impact on West Coast.
Everyone has an opinion on Avanti West Coast. This is a great chance to hear in depth from the man in the hot seat chargedwith getting it sorted.
Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.
Green Signals:
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
Credits - Thumbnail background image - Avanti West Coast
The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.
The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.