Green Signals
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.
Latest episodes
Jul 1, 2025 • 19min
Inside a Class 99 – The UK’s Most Powerful Locomotive
An exclusive tour inside GB Railfreight’s brand new Class 99 locomotive at UK Rail Leasing’s depot in Leicester. 8,000 horsepower in electric mode and 2,400hp in Diesel mode, this is a serious beast of a freight locomotive and the most powerful standalone locomotive built for the UK by Stadler.#locomotive #trains #GBRailfreightMembership: 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
Jun 26, 2025 • 58min
90. Are the Industrial Strategy & Infrastructure Strategy actually strategies? And what about rail?
Are the Government’s ‘UK Infrastructure Strategy: A 10-Year Strategy’ and ‘The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy’ actually strategies? And do they tell a positive story for rail?1,800 people are evacuated from Thameslink trains on the hottest day of the year.And the new Tube trains for the Piccadilly Line are delayed…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:34) Breaking News! DfT Letter on Open Access(10:18) All the strategies at once(12:57) Infrastructure Strategy(21:29) Industrial Strategy(25:15) Mark Wild’s HS2 interim report(33:34) 1,800 people evacuated on Thameslink(37:44) Piccadilly Line trains delayed(43:01) Thanks to Supporters(45:05) Railway News Round-up(45:10) Ffestiniog Railway 200 Wheels on the Cob(46:22) Southeastern and Network Rail unite(47:39) Severn Valley Railway reorganisation(48:40) Keighley & Worth Valley Railway diesel gala drama(51:20) HS2 Lower Thorpe viaduct deck slide(52:25) The Quiz(55:11) Thomas the Tank Engine documentaryMembership: 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
Jun 24, 2025 • 42min
Interview: LNER’s David Horne on running a railway in the public sector
LNER Managing Director David Horne meets Richard in York to talk about running a railway in the public sector, delivering for the passenger, rail fares, Great British Railways and much more besides.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
Jun 19, 2025 • 52min
89. Rail passenger numbers are up! But is there more behind the headlines?
Rail ridership is almost back to pre-Covid levels! But is there more behind the headlines?HS2 could be delayed yet again – and the blame game is already underwayProblems for East Midlands Railway Class 810s – is there a crisis coming?And there’s Breaking News on Jacobite steam train operator West Coast Railways’ application for an exemption to run Mk1s…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:40) Rail ridership figures(17:53) HS2 delays(20:12) West Coast Railways Mk 1s update(25:39) East Midlands Railway Class 810s(29:39) David Horne LNER interview preview(35:00) Thanks to Supporters(36:27) Railway News Round-up(36:31) British Steel £500m Network Rail contract(37:49) Go-op signs Track Access Contract(38:42) King’s Birthday Honours(42:27) GB Railfreight Class 99s arrive in UK(41:50) DB Cargo runs first East West Rail freight train(42:35) HS2 TBM completes drive(43:17) Tree clearance on West Highland Line(44:51 )The Quiz(48:32) Narrow gauge for The Greatest GatheringMembership: 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 - Network Rail
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
88. £15.6BN For Transport Outside London! But Is It Just Political Spin?
£15.6bn for transport investments outside of London and the South East. Fabulous news! But is any of it new money? Or is it just political spin?Fares evasion is a big problem on the railway. But have train operators been acting irresponsibly in handling it?And we find out more about potential competition for Eurostar through the Channel TunnelIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:34) £15.6bn for transport(28:31) Fares evasion report(40:47) Competition for Eurostar(45:42) Thanks to Supporters(46:59) Railway News Round-up(47:02) New Class 730/2s for LNWR(47:48) Lumo application for Hereford-London(48:50) Alstom £50m Lumo Class 222 contract(50:25) HS2 M6 South Viaduct deck slide(51:58) HS2 Tunnel Boring Machine dismantled(53:12) Alfreton station £6.75m upgrade(54:41) Midland Main Line electrification to South Wigston(56:49) The Quiz(1:00:31) Scots on the Move: Railways and Tourism exhibitionMembership: 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
Jun 5, 2025 • 46min
87. On location: What’s next for the Northumberland Line?!
We’re on location on the Northumberland Line! We take a trip along the line and chat to Northern about what comes next for the popular rail reopening.Plus, we chat about what else we’re up to in this part of the world…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:30) Northumberland Line visit(15:17) Visiting Stadler’s Gosforth depot(18:22) Tyne & Wear Metro £900m plan(21:42) Sir Bob Reid dies(27:31) Thanks to Supporters(29:23) Railway News Round-Up(29:30) HS2 first platforms(20:34) Network Rail solar farm from EDF Renewables(32:07) Levenmouth rail link milestone(33:09) Lumo to run London-Stirling(36:36) Green Signals Live Q&A!(38:07) The Quiz(41:35) Railway Benefit Fund Auction of Rail ExperiencesMembership: 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 - Northern Trains Ltd
May 29, 2025 • 48min
86. Rail Nationalisation has begun: Great British Railways is ‘coming soon’!
Rail nationalisation has begun! South Western Railway is the first to re-enter public sector control. What happens next? We discuss the Secretary of State Heidi Alexander’s launch speech for Great British Railways at Bournemouth Traincare Depot and speak to Graham Eccles and Sir Michael Holden to find out what they think about the changes…And we review our exclusive (and candid) interview with Rail Minister Lord Hendy.In this episode:(00:30) Rail nationalisation has begun(06:18) Lord Hendy interview clip(13:34) Sir Michael Holden(19:25) Graham Eccles(31:48) Thanks to Supporters(33:20) Railway News Round-up(33:26) Tractor collision at level crossing(34:23) HS2 supplier fraud allegations(36:18) HS2 TBM Caroline lifted(37:36) Network North Wales(38:44) West Somerset Railway refused funding(39:44) Flix expansion(42:15) The Quiz(44:46) Three Peaks by Rail eventMembership: 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 - Department for Transport
May 27, 2025 • 46min
Lord Hendy: The EXCLUSIVE interview with the Rail Minister that you NEED to watch
South Western Railway became the first train operating company to be formally taken back into public ownership on the expiry of its contract on Sunday May 25th. It marks the first visible evidence of the Government’s plans to radically change the way that Britain’s railway is structured and operated. The person charged with leading this change process on behalf of the Government and the Secretary of State for Transport is Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy. It was a wide-ranging interview and Peter Hendy was extremely candid. No deflection, no diversion – just straightforward answers to questions including whether renationalisation is simply an ideological position, how GBR will be set up and whether railway professionals will be empowered to operate the business.We also covered Open Access, Trades Unions, the investment pipeline, ROSCOs and the Government’s vision for the railway. This is a must listen interview for anyone with any interest in the future of Britain’s railway.Chapters:(00:00) Intro(01:00) Being appointed as Rail Minister(03:00) Have you found High Office frustrating?(06:49) Renationalisation: is it ideological?(10:23) Where will the incentive come from in future to grow?(13:53) Does the Government have a vision for what rail is good at?(18:02) No Great British Railways until 2027?(21:02) How are you going to empower people to deliver?(27:25) Rail enhancements: why hasn't the pipeline been published?(31:07) Why not nationalise the rolling stock owners?(34:58) Trades unions: how do we reset the relationship?(39:41) Open access: what is the government position?(43:34) Why is reform going to work this time?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
May 22, 2025 • 57min
85. A railway with no signals?! First commuter line runs on digital signals alone
No signals! The Northern City Line becomes the first main line commuter railway to run on digital signals.West Coast Railways is reported to have run a passenger train with Mk 1 coaches… and is being heavily criticised on the Jacobite steam train.And Lord Blunkett proposes a £14bn 15-year plan for Yorkshire – but is it realistic…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:48) Northern City Line ETCS(18:23) WCR runs private charter with Mk1s?(24:57) Jacobite receives 1 star reviews(30:16) Lord Blunkett proposals for Yorkshire(39:41) Thanks to supporters(41:09) Railway News Round-Up(41:12) HS2 to be delayed & cost £100bn?(43:35) Double decker trains to London?(44:53) Borders costs double its earnings(48:57) ORR consults on accessibility guidance(50:13) Southeastern Class 395 Javelin refresh(51:00) The Quiz(53:56) Drones tackle railway trespass in the North EastMembership: 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 - ECDP
May 15, 2025 • 1h 2min
84. An End to 'Boom & Bust' For Rail Suppliers? Hmm...
An end to the ‘boom and bust’ of contracts for rail suppliers? Sir Andrew Haines, Network Rail CEO, describes the Rail Enhancement Pipeline as a ‘flawed proposition’ because it is ‘owned politically’ and is ‘not a strategy for the railway’. We ask - is he right?You can now apply to become a train driver at 18! But will it solve the railway’s shortage of drivers?And Network Rail apparently spends £10k a WEEK on internal flights! But is that the real story?In this episode:(00:00) Intro(01:20) ‘Boom and Bust’ on the railway? Haines at the TSC(24:06) Interview with RIA about boom and bust(33:01) Train driver minimum age now 18(38:00) Interview with train driver Bessie Matthews(46:01) News about a railway party(47:53) Thanks to Supporters(49:04) Railway News Round-up(49:06) HS2 Bromford tunnel bore completed(50:06) Network Rail spends £10k a week on internal flights(52:40) Nationalisation date for Greater Anglia(53:44) Solar panels for between railway tracks(55:47) UK to Switzerland by high speed train?(57:29) The Quiz(59:29) Lego replica of Forth BridgeMembership: 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 - Network Rail
