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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 4, 2025 • 60min
100. Scotland scraps peak rail fares. Is England next?
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/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.
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
99. Eurostar: The full (mind-blowing!) guide to Channel Tunnel competition
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.
Aug 26, 2025 • 38min
South Eastern Railway – Track and Train reunited at last: Interview with Steve White
Steve White, Managing Director of Southeastern Railway, brings 40 years of railway expertise to the table. He shares insights on the government's ambitious plan to unite track and train operations, aiming for better efficiency and lower costs. The conversation dives into challenges faced post-pandemic, from fluctuating passenger figures to the need for new rolling stock. White discusses innovative strategies, including battery tech, to enhance the travel experience. Lastly, he paints a visionary picture for integrated rail operations focused on customer satisfaction and collaboration.
Aug 21, 2025 • 44min
98. ASLEF claims victory for train drivers over toilets… but is it a victory?
ASLEF hails a victory for drivers over access to toilets. But is it really a victory?Network Rail is accused of “sabotaging” Alliance Rail’s open access application on the old Fawley Branch. Really?And Jaguar Land Rover objects to the phrase ‘Ranger and Rover’ tickets being used on rail company websites.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:40) ASLEF’s Dignity for Drivers campaign(09:33) Alliance Rail Marchwood open access(12:39) Steve White South Eastern Railway interview trailer(18:39) Jaguar Land Rover objects to ‘Ranger and Rover’(25:40) West Coast Railways drops 60163 Tornado(27:56) Thanks to Supporters(29:28) Railway News Round-up(29:33) Greek Street Bridge renewal(30:26) CrossCountry train strikes(32:35) Danish train crash(33:14) TransPennine Express therapy dog(34:11) Ticket dodger prosecutions(35:35) Rail fare rise ‘outrage’(38:19) The Quiz(40:28) Five generations at Chippenham factoryMembership: 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
Aug 14, 2025 • 57min
97. The Brighton Belle - take a tour inside! And Chiltern Railways NEW trains - or not?
The Brighton Belle – We visit the iconic train that will soon return to the main lineChiltern Railways new trains – or are they? We ask Managing Director Richard AllanAnd Richard speculates about the forthcoming Budget and the state of public finances – and has some dire predictions for the railway.(00:00) Intro(00:33) The Brighton Belle - soon to return to the mainline. (08:14) Chiltern Railways to lease Mk5a sets from TPE - Interview with MD Richard Allan(23:47) Fiscal Dominance, the challenges facing the Chancellor and possible impacts on the railways(34:37) LNER Simpler Fares Phase 2a(41:16) CrossCountry and the curious case of strikes over technology payments(45:02) Thanks to Supporters(46:41) Fire brigade come to the rescue of Flying Scotsman(47:25) Guild of Railway Artists(48:24) Severn Valley Railway Company Limited Members vote for One Railway(49:30) GBRf haul the last PCA wagon on the Alumina train to Fort William(51:36) The Quiz(53:30) Ride the Route cycle ride in support of the Railway ChildrenMembership: 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
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
96. Inside Yorkshire’s £250m train factory: Goole Rail Village
Following on from our recent Piccadilly Line Tube Trainvideo, this week we go behind the scenes at Siemens’ Goole Rail Village in Yorkshire to see everything that is going on there.The Government has announced the creation of a new property business called Platform4 to kick start the building of 40,000 houses on surplus railway land. We ask whether the plan is good business or just flogging off the family silver.And we look back at Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering event in Derby and ask - was it the most spectacular railway event in living memory?(00:00) Intro(01:13) Behind the Scenes at Siemens train manufacturing plant: Goole Rail Village(17:31) DfT announces the formation of property business Platform4 to kick start 40,000 new homes(28:04) Review of The Greatest Gathering(43:37) Thanks to Supporters(48:04) Railway News Round-up(48:06) LNER Train of the future(50:10) ORR grant Open Access rights on ECML for December 2025(52:27) Special Beams to prevent bridge strikes at Brighton Road bridge, Coulsdon South(53:44) EMR Summer Sale 2025(56:09) The Quiz(58:43) Hull Trains - can donate Delay Repay to their Charity of the Year - P.A.U.L For Brain RecoveryMembership: 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
Jul 31, 2025 • 52min
95. The Greatest Gathering preview! Green Signals heads to Derby…
It’s the week of Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering Railway 200celebration in Derby – we preview what’s coming up this weekend.West of England Main Line trains will not be stopping atCrewkerne until further notice. What on earth has happened And is it the right decision?Plus Richard has a rant… about the Secretary of State’s social mediaIt’s the week of Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering Railway 200 celebration in Derby – we preview what’s coming up this weekend.West of England Main Line trains will not be stopping at Crewkerne until further notice. What on earth has happened? And is it the right decision?And Richard has a rant… about the Secretary of State’s social mediaIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:37) The Greatest Gathering preview(07:19) Why trains aren’t stopping at Crewkerne(24:25) Richard has a rant(29:45) Thanks to Supporters(31:20) Railway News Round-up(31:24) New Network Rail CEO(32:21) Eurostar on Channel Tunnel competition(33:47) DfT simpler fares and cheaper tickets?(35:40) Varamis Rail “on the brink”?(37:50) HS2 TBM lifted from ground(38:56) Civil servants to transfer to DfTO(41:50) German train crash(43:14) The Quiz(48:08) Prestongrange Heritage Industrial Museum open dayMembership: 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
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
94. Have bimode trains scuppered electrification of the rail network?
Have bimode trains scuppered our chances of ever electrifying the UK rail network? The latest Transport Select Committeesuggests they just might…The Secretary of State updates Parliament on HS2 – are weany closer to knowing when and how much?And ORR delivers its annual performance review of Network Rail – with some rather chilling words…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:37) Transport Select Committee hearing(09:00) Midland Main Line electrification paused(31:02) Sir Peter Soulsby interview(39:15) HS2 construction update to Parliament(43:04) ORR report on Network Rail performance(47:46) Thanks to Supporters(49:09) Railway News Round-up(49:14) c2c is nationalised(50:29) Beaulieu Park station to open early(51:29) Largest ever passenger satisfaction survey(52:28) Germany to UK rail services?(53:48) Lamb on a train(54:44) Folk music celebrates Railway 200(56:34) The Quiz01:00:01 Work experience success at GBRfMembership: 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
Jul 22, 2025 • 11min
New Tube trains for the Piccadilly Line – inside the factory!
New trains are being built for the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line – the very first deep Tube trains that will have air conditioning and walk-through carriages. We visited the Siemens train manufacturing plant in Goole (Yorkshire) to find out more about them and to see them being built.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
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
93. Midland Main Line electrification ‘paused’… But whose fault is it?
Government commits to 50 road and rail projects… or does it?Midland Mainline Electrification is ‘paused’. But whose fault is it?And the Severn Valley Railway pulls off a miracle to reopen just 6 months after a major landslip!In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:27) Green light for over 50 road and rail upgrades(07:16) Midland Main Line electrification ‘paused’(32:57) New Piccadilly Line trains video preview(36:36) Severn Valley Railway to reopen(45:49) Thanks to Supporters(47:18) Railway News Round-up(47:21) Van driver killed at level crossing in Kent(49:00) Transport for Wales heat disruption(52:24) Govia Thameslink Railway Class 717 ETCS(53:57) ORR Experiences of Passenger Assist survey(56:11) The Quiz(59:01) Great Western Railway 802022 Cyril Bleasdale OBEMembership: 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
