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
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
May 13, 2025 • 15min
Deltic D9015 lives! Fired up on a behind-the-scenes trip to Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Barrow Hill is a treasure trove of railway and locomotive history – the last surviving roundhouse in the country with an operational turntable. We were lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour and got to see a huge list of steam, diesel and electric locomotives:SteamGER Class G58 (LNER Class J17) 0-6-0 no. 8217. Built in 1905. On loan from the National Railway Museum.GCR Class 11F (LNER Class D11) 4-4-0 no. 506 Butler Henderson. Built in 1919. On loan from the National Railway Museum.MR 156 Class 2-4-0 no. 158A. Built in 1866. On loan from the National Railway Museum.MR 1000 Compound Class 4-4-0 no. 1000. Built in 1902. On loan from the National Railway Museum.•BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T no. 80079. Built in 1954. On loan from the Severn Valley Railway. Hunslet Engine Company "Austerity" 0-6-0ST Works no. 3192, Running no. 68006. Built in 1955. Under overhaul.Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST no. 2491 Henry. Built in 1901.• Vulcan Foundry 0-4-0ST no. 3272 Vulcan. Built in 1918.DieselDrewry Car Co. 0-4-0 no. 2589 Harry. Built in 1956.• BR 0-4-0DH Class 02 no. 02 003 (D2853) in BR Green. Built in 1960.BR 0-4-0DH Class 02 no. D2868 in BR Green. Built in 1960.BR 0-6-0DM Class 03 no. 03 066 (D2066) in BR Blue. Built in 1959.BR 0-6-0DE Class 07 no. 07 012 (D2996) in BR Blue. Built in 1962.BR Class 08 no. 08 956 in BR GreenBR 0-6-0DH Class 10 no. D4092 in BR Green. Built in 1962.BR Bo-Bo Class 23 "Baby Deltic" no. D5910. New-build• BR Bo-Bo Class 25 no. 25089BR Bo-Bo Class 26 no. 26 007 (D5300)BR Bo-Bo Class 33 no. 33 111• BR Co-Co Class 37 No 37 607 and 37 612BR 1Co-Co1 Class 45 no. 45 060 (D100) Sherwood Forester in BR Blue. Built in 1961. BR 1Co-Co1 Class 45 no. 45 105 (D86) in BR Blue. Built in 1961.BR 1Co-CO1 Class 46 no. 46 010 in BR BlueBR Co-Co Class 55 no. D9009 (55 009) Alycidon in BR Blue. Built in 1961. (Owned by Deltic Preservation Society).BR Co-Co Class 55 no. D9015 (55 015) Tulyar in BR Green. Built in 1961. (Owned by Deltic Preservation Society).Electric locomotivesBR Bo-Bo Class 81 no. 81 002 BR Blue. Built in 1960. (AC Locomotive Group)BR Bo-Bo Class 82 no. 82 008. Intercity Executive. Built in 1961. (AC Locomotive Group)BR Bo-Bo Class 83 no. E3035 (83 012). Electric Blue. Built in 1961 (AC Locomotive Group)BR Bo-Bo Class 85 no. 85 006 Built in 1961. (AC Locomotive Group)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 8, 2025 • 37min
83. Will private rail operators cost the taxpayer £BILLIONS, even after renationalisation?
Will private rail operators still cost the taxpayer billions of pounds, even after rail renationalisation? New analysis seen by Green Signals says they just might…And new findings emerge from the RAIB investigation into the train crash last year at Talerddig in Wales.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:32) Open access report(15:29) WOW! New channel teaser(16:14) Talerddig rail crash report(20:13) Transport for Wales Transport Summit(22:03) Thanks to Supporters(23:17) Barrow Hill visit preview(26:18) Railway News Round-Up(26:23) Transport for London tackles fare dodgers(27:16) Deaf Awareness Week(28:18) East Coast Main Line mobile connectivity boost(29:12) TransPennine Express upgrades Class 185s with ETCS(29:45) HS2 A46 Kenilworth Bypass box structure(30:34) Train driver minimum age reduced(31:51) The Quiz(33:35) Avon Valley Railway English Wine FestivalMembership: 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 6, 2025 • 42min
Let's play fantasy Great British Railways CEO... With Tim Shoveller EXCLUSIVE
Great British Railways needs a leader… and a good one if it’s going to succeed. Richard speaks to a man with a unique railway background. He’s run train operating companies, held very senior roles in Network Rail, run an integrated railway, and is now CEO of Freightliner. Tim Shoveller is one to watch in the rail industry, so we ask him to imagine he’s just been appointed as CEO of GBR and chat to him about what he’d do in his first 100 days… as well as having a general chat about the state of the railway at the moment and what the future might hold.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:Images & footage credited in the videoPresenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)
May 1, 2025 • 55min
82. No Great British Railways until 2027?! Heidi Alexander at Transport Select Committee
Heidi Alexander, the new Transport Secretary, discusses her debut at the Transport Select Committee, where her communication style sparks comparisons to her predecessor. She faces scrutiny over the sluggish progress towards Great British Railways, expected by 2027, emphasizing the need for independent decision-making. The conversation tackles staffing concerns linked to rail decarbonization and critiques financial mismanagement. Plus, there's a peek into innovative tunneling techniques and a roundup of railway news, including the Northumberland line's surge in passenger journeys.
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h
The Future of the North: Henri Murison on Devolution, HS2, Rail Reform & Levelling Up
We sit down with Henri Murison, CEO of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, to discuss the past, present, and future of the North of England. From the realities of devolution to the controversial cancellation of HS2, Henri shares expert insights on how infrastructure, governance, and investment strategies must evolve to truly level up the North.🔎 Topics covered:• Henri’s personal journey to leading Northern Powerhouse• The role of Northern Powerhouse in a changing political landscape• Risks and rewards of devolution in the UK• The future of rail in the North: Network North, HS2 alternatives, and rail reform• North-South vs East-West transport priorities• Governance challenges: bus franchising, quangos, and private sector collaboration• Funding major projects amid fiscal pressures• Practical solutions for delivering growth, investment, and opportunity to Northern communitiesWith regional inequality still high on the agenda, this deep-dive interview is a must-watch for policymakers, transport professionals, and anyone passionate about the North’s potential.📢 Share your thoughts in the comments – what’s the biggest challenge facing the North right now?#GreenSignals #HenriMurison #NorthernPowerhouse #Devolution #LevellingUp #HS2 #NetworkNorth #RailReform #UKTransportPolicy #NorthOfEngland #InfrastructureInvestment #RegionalGrowth #UKPolitics #PublicTransport #MetroMayors #TransportForTheNorth #UKRail #LandValueCapture #NorthernVoicesMembership: 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:Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)Images - Map in thumbnail - HS2 Ltd.
