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
Nov 27, 2025 • 55min
112. Rail Fares Freeze Fiasco – Are there unintended consequences?
Rail fares are frozen for 2026! But is it wise and could there be unwanted consequences?No passenger trains for East West Rail until 2026 – more than a year after it became operational. We ask what’s going on?And we see the future of track worker protection demonstrated, as the use of “Lookouts” comes to an end on the mainline railway.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:35) Rail fares freeze for 2026(13:21) East West Rail: No trains until 2026(22:07) An end to lookout working(36:07) Thanks to Supporters(40:00) Railway News Round-up(40:04) One bashed bridge costs £50k(41:10) CrossCountry RMT strike action(42:58) No new trains for rural north of Scotland(45:00) CAF legal action over Translink procurement(46:28) Robot dog detects freight train defects in Lithuania(48:45) The Quiz(51:32) Accrington station adoption groupMembership: 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.
Nov 21, 2025 • 51min
Government need to look in the mirror – they're the ones who screwed up! Interview - Olly Glover MP
In a wide ranging and refreshingly direct and no-nonsense interview, Green Signals talks to Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson and member of the Transport Select Committee.We cover the Railways Bill, the role of Government, the need to put in place a rolling programme of electrification and investment more widely, the pros and cons of rolling stock leasing and much more. Olly spent plenty of time working in senior roles in the railway industry before becoming an MP and so his comments are rooted in a deep understanding of the issues. He doesn’t pull any punches and suggests the Government might want to look at themselves in the mirror and especially the civil servants working in the Department for Transport before they complain about the mess they perceive the railways to be in. The Railways Bill debates promise to be suitably lively.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.
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
111. Transport Secretary gives evidence to Transport Select Committee - but how does she score?
The Secretary of State for Transport updates the Transport Select Committee on her Department’s performance so far. But what score does she get from Green Signals?Storm Claudia hits the railway, but one particular incident had us scratching our heads…And Northern launches a plan to reach 30 million more passenger journeys by 2030 – and we find out more.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:35) Heidi Alexander at the Transport Select Committee(34:08) Storm Claudia hits the railway(39:37) Northern 30 by 30 plan(53:37) Thanks to supporters(55:07) Railway News Round-up(55:10) Transport for London withdraws new DLR trains(56:36) Is Treasury considering using CPI for rail fares rises?(57:48) King Charles III opens Taffs Well depot(58:40) East Midlands Railway Class 810 Auroras to enter service(1:00:43) The Quiz(1:03:15) LNER hero Samir Zitouni leaves hospitalMembership: 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 of Heidi Alexander - Heidi Alexander ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble (Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)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.
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
110. The Railways Bill is here… but what will it all mean?
The Railways Bill is here… but what will it all mean? And HOW will it be delivered? What happened when a Pendolino derailed at Shap last week?And Transport for Greater Manchester announces amazingticketing reforms! But where's the catch?BOOK TICKETS FOR THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY GREEN SIGNALS 'JOLLY'!https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/severn-valley-railway-green-signals-jolly-day-tickets-1900231005089?aff=oddtdtcreatorIn this episode(00:00) Intro(00:28) Railways Bill(24:52) Olly Glover MP interview preview(28:15) Shap Pendolino derailment(33:52) Transport for Greater Manchester ticketing changes(39:30) Remembrance Day Poppies to Paddington(41:30) Severn Valley Railway video teaser(45:54) Thanks to supporters(47:41) Railway News Round-up(47:43) ASLEF new General Secretary(48:44) Transport for London RMT pay deal(50:07) Waterloo-Exeter Line hourly service returns(51:18) Athenry to Claremorris to be reopened(54:14) Manea semaphore signals dismantled(55:18) The Quiz(57:30) GB Railfreight Class 99s authorisedMembership: 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.
Nov 12, 2025 • 48min
Behind the Scenes on the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway is one of Britain’s premier heritage railway lines. Running between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth it delights tens of thousands of visitors each year with its faithful recreation of a quintessentially Great Western Railway line coupled with bold and progressive events such as its very popular diesel galas catering for the more modern heritage rail enthusiast.We visited the SVR during the recent Class 37 Diesel Gala when no fewer than 10 Class 37s were assembled from across the country to celebrate 65 years of the class. We spent time with Gus Dunster, Managing Director of the line to talk about the challenges of keeping such a large operation on a sustainable footing. We visit the steam locomotive workshops at Bridgnorth, the signalbox at Kidderminster, the Traction maintenance depot also at Kidderminster. And Richard gets to look round and start up one of his beloved Class 40s.It's a magnificent railway and this video provides a unique and behind the scenes insight into what makes it tick.JOIN US ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY FOR A GREEN SIGNALS 'JOLLY'!https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/severn-valley-railway-green-signals-jolly-day-tickets-1900231005089?aff=oddtdtcreatorMembership: 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.
Nov 6, 2025 • 55min
109. LIVE From the RIA Conference with Former Rail Minister Huw Merriman
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.
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 5min
Virgin Trains is BACK! And ready to take on Eurostar…
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.
Oct 30, 2025 • 57min
108. Eurostar orders double-decker trains… but will we see them in the UK?
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.
Oct 29, 2025 • 51min
Demystifying the planning process of major projects... Is the UK’s system broken?
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.
Oct 28, 2025 • 39min
Transforming Rail in Wales – Transport for Wales boss gives exclusive interview
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.
