Green Signals
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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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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 stageAnd 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=oddtdtcreatorIn this episode:The Railways Bill is launchedHuw Merriman joins us on stageRailway News Round-upHuntingdon knife attack on LNER trainAvanti West Coast Pendolino derailment at ShapRail ridership and revenue figuresFirst Group open access application for LumoSevern Valley Railway Green Signals ‘Jolly’Strathspey Railway £1m donationMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits: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 happenedMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits:Thumbnail image - Virgin TrainsThe 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 projectMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits:Thumbnail image - Alstom SAThe 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?Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits:Thumbnail image - National HighwaysThe 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.Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
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 FormulaAnd 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 LaneMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
1Andy 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.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits - Thumbnail background image - Avanti West CoastThe 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.
Greater Anglia is renationalised… and the Transport Secretary makes some curious commentsChiltern Railways launches its Mk 5a sets in a striking new liveryAnd there are developments on cross-Channel Eurostar competitionIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:44) Greater Anglia is nationalised(06:59) GWR droplight window fine update(13:41) Chiltern Railways Mk 5a launch(18:29) Eurostar competition update(24:55) Huw Merriman appointed Chair of HSRG(27:07) Andy Mellors interview clip(31:05) Thanks to Supporters(33:02) Railway News Round-up(33:05) No further action on Leominster tractor crash(34:01) Sunderland station retail units empty(36:26) SELRAP Skipton-Colne campaign(37:48) Is BTP decriminalising bike thefts?(41:42) The Quiz(45:20) John Brownlie 60009 Union of South Africa printMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits - Thumbnail image - Greater AngliaThe 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.
Great Western Railway is fined £1 million over a fatal droplight window incident in 2018 – we ask what the implications are for other parts of the networkAnd Rail Minister Lord Hendy demands that rail companies urgently hire more train drivers – but how realistic is it?In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:32) GWR droplight window fine(17:34) Lord Hendy demands action on train drivers(29:40) Thanks to supporters(31:35) Railway News Round-up(31:37) Docklands Light Railway new trains in service(33:04) Caledonian Sleeper new Birmingham route(34:29) Belmond Britannic Explorer fails again(36:19) Transport for Wales £750k cable theft(37:47) Storm Amy causes chaos on the railway(39:11) The Quiz(42:45) East Somerset Railway signalling projectMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
Railways and vegetation, bats, dormice – and biodiversity in general – don’t always mix well. Are we getting the balance wrong?The railway celebrates its 200th anniversary in style!And Rail Minister Lord Hendy wades in on Eurostar competition…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:33) Biodiversity on the railway(22:35) Railway 200 Locomotion No. 1 event(35:18) South Eastern Railway Networker tour(43:44) Eurostar competition(50:27) Thanks to Supporters(52:26) Railway news round-up(52:30) Huddersfield station re-opens(53:52) Heritage stations listed(57:08) Chilworth Chicken felled(58:38) c2c scraps 40% discount offer(01:01:15) Dry ice to clear Northern leaves!(01:03:00) The Quiz(01:05:55) Bo’ness and Kinneil model railway restoredMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
Northern Powerhouse Rail – has it become the new HS2 for politicians to argue about? We chat to Northern Powerhouse Partnership CEO Henri MurisonThe Liberal Democrats announce a new rail policy – and Richard has many questions.And Avanti West Coast trials using the Settle & Carlisle Railway as a diversionary route – and Richard got to be on board…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:33) Northern Powerhouse Rail(31:53) Liberal Democrats rail policy(35:01) Settle & Carlisle Railway diversions(43:18) Railway 200 anniversary(45:59) Thanks to Supporters(47:23) Railway News Round-up(47:28) Visual disruption maps(49:13) Freightliner is acquired(50:46) SatSense satellite radar monitoring(52:11) £135k toilet for Brough(53:22) North Dorset Railway track reinstated(54:39) Pathfinder Railtours to close its doors(56:31) The Quiz(58:41) Royal Mail Railway 200 stampsMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
Imagine being responsible for the East Coast Main Line, or the Midland Main Line, or the whole of the Anglia – and then imagine actually being responsible for all of it – plus East West Rail, Trans Pennine Route Upgrade and the East Coast Digital Programme; all at the same time. That’s the extraordinary challenge that Ellie Burrows,Regional Managing Director (Eastern) for Network Rail faces every single day. Over 6000 route miles, over 3400 passenger trains and 1740 freight movements every day, it’s a serious job with serious responsibility.Filmed in Bedford, Ellie explains how she goes about ensuring the day to day railway operates safely, reliably and efficiently and how she and her team plan for some of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – facing the railway in the coming years.Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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 the days of British Rail and Virgin Trains, the iconic and spectacular Settle & Carlisle railway line was used as a diversionary route whenever there were closures for engineering works or similar on the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Carlisle. The Settle & Carlisle line has not been used for diversions for a decade however, much to the displeasure of communities along the route as well as rail enthusiasts and others who believe an opportunity is being missed to keep people on trains and avoid the dreaded rail replacement buses.Now, there is good news. Thanks to collaboration betweenAvanti West Coast, Network Rail, Northern trains, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, LNER and others, the Settle & Carlisle line WILL be used to run a shuttle service between Preston and Carlisle in January 2026 when both the West Coast Main Line and the M6 are closed at Clifton for the replacement of a major viaduct. On Wednesday 20 August, Avanti West Coast ran a very special test train over the Settle & Carlisle line to prove it worked and Green Signals was amongst a very select group invited on board.Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
We visit TWO of HS2’s ‘green tunnels’ and discuss whether they’re a great idea or a huge waste of taxpayers’ money…Reform says they’ll cancel HS2 and leave the part-built project as a “testament to British incompetence”. Yes, really.And Midlands Rail Hub – full steam ahead? Or maybe not…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:34) HS2’s Green Tunnels(26:12) Andrew Gilligan and Reform on HS2(40:59) Ellie Burrows interview preview(44:09) Midlands Rail Hub(48:31) Why are train tickets SO expensive teaser(50:49) Thanks to Supporters(52:30) Railway News Round-up(52:33) Alstom Widnes first passenger train(53:41) Tyne and Wear Metros adapted for Great North Run(54:55) British Transport Police Seaton murder investigation(55:35) LNER data breach(56:18) Cinema carriage restored(57:52) The Quiz(01:01:16) BBC Radio 3 Railway 200 broadcastMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
Why are train tickets in the UK so expensive? In this short explainer video, we cover the top ten things that answer that question – and some of them are surprising!Questions:(00:00) Intro(00:08) No. 1 What are the railway’s main sources of income?(00:30) No. 2 How much subsidy do the railways need?(01:39) No. 3 Who controls fares?(02:25) No. 4 Why not just reduce the price of fares?(03:26) No. 5 But they did it in Scotland!(04:55) No. 6 How do rail fares in the UK compare to Europe?(06:05) No. 7 Surely train tickets used to be cheaper?(07:47) No. 8 What can be done?(09:07) No. 9 Will nationalisation help?(09:57) No. 10 What’s the outlook for fares?Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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 Tyne and Wear Metro has a fascinating story that very nearly didn’t happen. We take a tour of Stadler’s new £70 million depot in South Gosforth, Newcastle to find out all about the new Metro Class 555s that are based there and what makes them different to the old Metros.Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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.
East Coast Main Line December timetable changes – are fewer stops a good thing?We find out more about how Network Rail is spending money with its suppliers…And Scotland announces electrification of Fife and Borders!In this episode:(00:00 Intro)(00:32) East Coast Main Line timetable(16:22) Network Rail Supplier Spend Report(36:27 )Tyne and Wear Metro teaser(40:03) Thanks to Supporters(41:59) Railway News Round-up(42:02) Scottish electrification(43:20) Oxfordshire vision for railways(46:55) DB Cargo quits St Blazey(49:19) Polmadie 150 open day(51:15) Campaign for Family Friendly Trains(58:57) The Quiz(01:01:05) Nigel names his locomotiveMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits:Thumbnail image - LNERThe 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.
Scotland scraps peak rail fares. Is England next?Network Rail releases its supplier spending report… and it raises some concerns.And the Office of Rail and Road seeks to find out just how much money open access is costing the railway.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:51) Scotland scraps peak rail fares(17:51) Network Rail Supplier Spend Report(25:04) Open Access tender(31:10) It’s our 100th episode!(40:12) Thanks to supporters(41:53) Railway News Round-up(41:57) Bluebell Railway near miss(44:09) Northumberland Line needs more money(46:29) Location-based ticketing trial(50:17) Midlands Rail Hub alliance partners(53:12) GB Railfreight celebrates 150 years of freight on the S&C(54:22) The Quiz(56:50) Selby school learns about railwaysMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersCredits:Thumbnail image - ScotRailThe 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 competitors submit detailed plans to the Regulator. We ask - has anyone made a compelling case?We speak to a leading expert on cross border and Channel Tunnel rail services and ask – just what are the French up to?!And Great Western Railway’s battery train sets a new world recordIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:32) Eurostar competition(43:34) Thanks to supporters(45:23) Railway News Round-up(45:29) Great Western Railway battery train record(47:30) HS2 Lawley Middleway bridge move(48:56) Crossrail 2 construction?(50:30) Network Rail infrastructure monitoring tender(52:39) Alstom GWR Class 175 maintenance and support(54:43) The Quiz(58:57) South Downs artist at Plumpton station#Trains #Eurostar #ChannelTunnelMembership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallersThe 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 Government believes that by uniting track and train together, performance on the railway will improve and costs will come down, leading to better outcomes for passengers and taxpayers. But after 30 years of vertical separation, reintegrating operations at a practical level will be more complex than just issuing a few soundbites.On 18th June 2025, South Eastern Railway was created – this united the train operator SouthEastern and the Network Rail team who covered the same area bringing them both under the leadership of Managing Director, Steve White. Steve has now had two months in the role and so Richard met up with him at Cannon Street station to hear how things were coming along where it matters. On the ground……Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/joinPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignalsGreen Signals: Website -http://www.greensignals.orgMerchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.comNewsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-listFollow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltdInstagram -https://instagram.com/greensignallers
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Best episode yet - witty, relevant and engaging. Thanks guys....