Green Signals

Green Signals Productions

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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240 episodes
Updated Sunday

Episodes240

Newest first

Sep 12, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
50. Flying Scotsman crash report & HS2: Britain’s longest railway viaduct visit
Flying Scotsman crash report – the Rail Accident Investigation Branch releases its findings into last September’s collision at the Strathspey Railway, which injured two people…. We speak to recently-retired HM Chief Inspector of Railway Ian Prosser CBE – and I ask him for his views on West Coast Railways and the Jacobite steam train And… Britain’s longest railway viaduct deck is completed as Richard witnesses the final segment being put into place on HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct 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/join⁠ Patreon - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals⁠ Green Signals: Website - ⁠http://www.greensignals.org⁠ 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)
Sep 5, 2024 · 54 min
49. Euston station safety row: What happened? & Shadow Great British Railways is launched
Euston station: Lord Hendy – now Rail Minister - is accused of getting a railway engineer fired over raising safety concerns when he was Chair of Network Rail. We investigate… Shadow Great British Railways is launched and the Passenger Railway Services Public Ownership Bill enters the final stages in the Commons. An HS2 construction update at Birmingham as tunnelling reaches the halfway point. And Hitachi’s battery intercity train begins testing on the national network. 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/join Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals Green Signals: Website - http://www.greensignals.org 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)
Aug 29, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
48. HS2 Phase 2 revival? & Behind the scenes on New Measurement Train
Is HS2 Phase 2 about to be revived? We discuss an important new report to Government says we must not allow the West Coast Main Line to collapse. Richard takes a trip on the UK’s most exciting freight train with GB Railfreight – an alumina train from North Blyth to Fort William in Scotland. He also gets to go behind the scenes on Network Rail’s New Measurement Train – the fascinating Doctor Yellow. And we have a lovely story about the All Aboard to Northampton project! Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals Green Signals: Website - http://www.greensignals.org 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)
Aug 22, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
47. Train strikes: Just when we thought it was over… & HS2 construction update
Train strikes – the fight we all thought was over, just became more heated than ever. We speak to ASLEF’s Mick Whelan to understand what’s gone wrong now. Is it time to close the Island Line? We visit the Isle of Wight’s railway to find out. And an HS2 construction update as bridges and viaducts move into place! Subscribe: If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. Better still, hit that subscribe button. It supports the channel and means you'll be notified whenever we publish something new. Green Signals: Website - http://www.greensignals.org 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)
Aug 16, 2024 · 24 min
Green Signals After Hours: Raw & Uncut | Ep 46
The unscripted, uncensored, uncut blather from the Green Signals team after we've finished recording a show... When we finish recording an episode of Green Signals, the three of us always hang around for a while to chat about the show and what we've got coming up... so we decided to carry on recording and let our listeners in on the action. Expect some fun, more than a bit of silliness, and some sneak peeks into what we're working on. **This is a very special sneak preview of some of the exclusive content we'll be offering in our upcoming membership scheme, details of which will be announced very soon** 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)
Aug 15, 2024 · 54 min
46. UK's most exciting railway project? & CrossCountry trains cancelled
Is the most innovative and important rail site in Europe coming to Wales? We visit the Global Centre of Rail Excellence site to find out… CrossCountry services are cancelled on several routes and Transport Secretary Louise Haigh intervenes… Driver training begins on the Northumberland Line from Newcastle to Ashington, ahead of passenger services returning to the line on December 15th. 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)
Aug 8, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min
45. HS2: Should we just cancel it now?!
Without HS2, the West Coast Main Line will soon be rammed. We speak to experts Simon Pilkington and William Barter to explain why. We ask whether the problematic Trent Valley bottleneck can ever be resolved on the WCML. And controversially, we ask whether we should just cancel HS2 right now. Is there any point in continuing if we only build Phase 1? We also bring you some little teasers from our upcoming videos on Network Rail’s New Measurement Train (the Flying Banana as it is often known), and the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in South Wales. 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)
Aug 1, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
44. HS2 £2BN write-off! Reversing Beeching cancelled & Royal Mail train alternative
HS2 cancellation of Phase 2 north of Birmingham means writing off £2 billion of costs. Restoring Your Railways (often referred to as ‘Reversing Beeching’) is cancelled by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves… and Richard is jumping for joy. Meanwhile, HS2 from Old Oak Common to Euston appears to be safe – for now. 75,000 fare evasion prosecutions are officially judged unlawful – we speak to a leading lawyer on the subject about what happens next. Royal Mail’s decision to quit rail – Varamis Rail tells us why they might have the answer... 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)
Jul 25, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
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.......
Jul 18, 2024 · 1 hr
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)
Jul 11, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
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)
Jul 4, 2024 · 52 min
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? Subscribe: If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. Better still, hit that subscribe button. It supports the channel and means you'll be notified whenever we publish something new. 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)
Jul 2, 2024 · 1 hr 35 min
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)
Jun 27, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
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)
Jun 20, 2024 · 53 min
38. GENERAL ELECTION 2024: The Rail and Transport Promises
Our General Election Manifestos special! We review the rail policies of the main parties: The Conservatives continue with their Network North plan The Labour Party continues with their Get Britain Moving plan And one party manifesto has Richard needing to go outside for some fresh air after reading it… But we have some good news too! Transport for London has ordered 10 new Aventra trains from Alstom to secure the future of Derby Litchurch Lane! 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)
Jun 17, 2024 · 34 min
The Big Interview: Is Open Access good for the railway? YES! says Lumo & Hull Trains MD Martijn Gilbert
Lumo and the divisive issue of Open Access. Richard Bowker interviews MD Martijn Gilbert and things get a bit lively! Is Open Access on the railway a good thing or a bad thing? Or perhaps a bit of both! One of the strongest advocates for Open Access on Britain’s railway is Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of First Group’s open access operations, which includes Lumo and Hull Trains. We discuss: Martijn's early career and what got him interested in open access How Hull Trains are bouncing back post pandemic and how Lumo is doing since launch The problematic issues that Open Access raises Martijn's views of Labour’s policy for Open Access Lumo & Hull trains plans for the future 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)
Jun 13, 2024 · 55 min
37. Flying Scotsman news, Jacobite steam trains to have CDL? & Open Access with Lumo trains
Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, is to have a new custodian. But what is a custodian, who are they, and what will it mean in practice? Jacobite steam train operator West Coast Railway Company is fitting central door locking after all BUT…only to Mark 2s it seems… Lumo trains and the divisive issue of Open Access. Richard interviews MD Martijn Gilbert and things get a bit lively! And some good news… the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is due to fully reopen! 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)
Jun 6, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
36. Building trains with Hitachi Rail, Avanti West Coast Evero & Levenmouth rail link opens!
Behind the scenes at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe train building facility, where we find out about the process and skills required to build trains… and discuss why it’s absolutely vital that the Newton Aycliffe factory is saved. We also speak to the Rt Hon Justine Greening about the work of the Purpose Coalition. Keeping with Hitachi Rail… Avanti West Coast’s new Evero train fleet launches! Nigel asks if Richard is going to get himself into some hot water with Richard Branson… Breaking News! Jacobite steam train exemption application update. And we discuss the Levenmouth rail link opening! 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)
May 30, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
35. Turbo Pendolinos for HS2? Is a directing mind required & why Tornado cost £1m to overhaul
HS2 Phase 2 to Manchester may have been cancelled but the problems have only begun. How to deal with the 54 brand new Alstom / Hitachi trains on order? What about fewer seats being available on Britain’s most valuable route, London – Manchester? And then there’s Euston station – what on earth do we build now? Chris Gibb, a senior figure in the railway industry previously a director of Virgin Cross Country, Virgin West Coast and Network Rail to name but three thinks he knows what to do – and he’s written it down in a dramatic new plan which we discuss in detail with him. Andrew Haines has appeared at the Public Accounts Committee where he and the DfT officials also present seemed to reject the notion of a directing mind. The Labour Party, possibly the next party of Government, appear to think otherwise. Is there a showdown coming? There’s mixed news in the Heritage Sector. In an interview with Steve Davies MBE, Chairman of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust which owns celebrity locomotive 60163 Tornado, we discuss how its recent general overhaul cost £1m as well as the challenges faced when installing a modern electronic signalling system onto a steam engine. Then we consider the desperate times faced at the Nene Valley Railway which needs £300,000 to stay afloat. And, there’s good news from the Community Rail sector. We discuss Community Rail week and the marvellous work volunteers carry out to promote their loco lines and stations. 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) With thanks to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust for additional material
May 24, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
34. Hitachi’s battery Class 802, General Election 2024 & Virgin Trains comeback?
Hitachi’s new battery Class 802 train trial. We take an exclusive behind the scenes look at this ground breaking new collaboration between Hitachi, TransPennine Express and Angel Trains direct from Newton Aycliffe. Rishi Sunak fires the starting gun on a General Election. Are the railways about to enter a new era? Is Sir Richard Branson about to mount a Virgin Trains comeback on the West Coast Main Line, this time with Open Access? Southeastern Railway launches a major tender for brand new trains – we talk to MD Steve White to get the inside track. And… we’ve some good news on the route of the Jacobite Steam Train for once – Glenfinnan viaduct is getting a makeover using an innovative new rope access system. But it’s not for the faint hearted! 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)