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
Oct 23, 2025 • 50min
107. CAF is ‘blacklisted’ by the UN – but what does it mean for its UK contracts?
Spanish train builder CAF is blacklisted by the UN… but what does that mean for its contracts in the UK?We preview an interview with Transport for Wales’s James Price – and explain the Barnett FormulaAnd we discuss how projects get through the planning system… and what’s wrong with the system!In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:32) CAF ‘blacklisted’ by the United Nations(09:01) 25th Anniversary of Hatfield rail crash(11:44) James Price interview preview(15:49) The Barnett Formula explained(23:40) Planning mega projects(29:26) Thanks to Supporters(31:00) Railway News Round-up(31:05) New national rail clock design(33:49) Westbury foot crossing debate(36:58) RMT declares pay dispute with Network Rail(39:05) Tarka line worth £1bn to economy?(41:06) Plaque for Rev W Awdry’s house(41:51) Ashington wins World Cup of Stations(44:11) The Quiz(46:30) First passenger train departs Litchurch LaneMembership: 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.
Oct 21, 2025 • 38min
Running trains on the West Coast: Interview with Avanti West Coast MD Andy Mellors
Andy Mellors is a career railwayman with a successful careerin railway engineering and other senior leadership positions. In March 2023 he took on his biggest challenge to date –Managing Director of Avanti West Coast. The challenge hasbeen tough and there is still much to do but there is evidence the supertanker is beginning to turn. In this candid interview, we talk to Any about a wide rangeof issues including what went wrong when Avanti took over from Virgin Trains, whether First Trenitalia got the bid wrong, what is happening with recruitment of drivers in particular and whether the business has the right contracts in place now with its people. We also talk about diversionary routes, performance issuesand plans for the future as well as how Great British Railways might impact on West Coast.Everyone has an opinion on Avanti West Coast. This is a great chance to hear in depth from the man in the hot seat chargedwith getting it sorted.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 background image - Avanti West CoastThe 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 16, 2025 • 49min
106. 50% of Rail journeys now nationalised
Greater Anglia is renationalised… and the Transport Secretary makes some curious commentsChiltern Railways launches its Mk 5a sets in a striking new liveryAnd there are developments on cross-Channel Eurostar competitionIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:44) Greater Anglia is nationalised(06:59) GWR droplight window fine update(13:41) Chiltern Railways Mk 5a launch(18:29) Eurostar competition update(24:55) Huw Merriman appointed Chair of HSRG(27:07) Andy Mellors interview clip(31:05) Thanks to Supporters(33:02) Railway News Round-up(33:05) No further action on Leominster tractor crash(34:01) Sunderland station retail units empty(36:26) SELRAP Skipton-Colne campaign(37:48) Is BTP decriminalising bike thefts?(41:42) The Quiz(45:20) John Brownlie 60009 Union of South Africa printMembership: 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 - Greater AngliaThe 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 9, 2025 • 46min
105. £1m fine for GWR over droplight window death – what happened?
Great Western Railway is fined £1 million over a fatal droplight window incident in 2018 – we ask what the implications are for other parts of the networkAnd Rail Minister Lord Hendy demands that rail companies urgently hire more train drivers – but how realistic is it?In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:32) GWR droplight window fine(17:34) Lord Hendy demands action on train drivers(29:40) Thanks to supporters(31:35) Railway News Round-up(31:37) Docklands Light Railway new trains in service(33:04) Caledonian Sleeper new Birmingham route(34:29) Belmond Britannic Explorer fails again(36:19) Transport for Wales £750k cable theft(37:47) Storm Amy causes chaos on the railway(39:11) The Quiz(42:45) East Somerset Railway signalling 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/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.
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
104. Nature vs Railways – have we got the balance with biodiversity wrong?
Railways and vegetation, bats, dormice – and biodiversity in general – don’t always mix well. Are we getting the balance wrong?The railway celebrates its 200th anniversary in style!And Rail Minister Lord Hendy wades in on Eurostar competition…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:33) Biodiversity on the railway(22:35) Railway 200 Locomotion No. 1 event(35:18) South Eastern Railway Networker tour(43:44) Eurostar competition(50:27) Thanks to Supporters(52:26) Railway news round-up(52:30) Huddersfield station re-opens(53:52) Heritage stations listed(57:08) Chilworth Chicken felled(58:38) c2c scraps 40% discount offer(01:01:15) Dry ice to clear Northern leaves!(01:03:00) The Quiz(01:05:55) Bo’ness and Kinneil model railway restoredMembership: 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.
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
103. Northern Powerhouse Rail – The new HS2 for politicians to argue about?
Northern Powerhouse Rail – has it become the new HS2 for politicians to argue about? We chat to Northern Powerhouse Partnership CEO Henri MurisonThe Liberal Democrats announce a new rail policy – and Richard has many questions.And Avanti West Coast trials using the Settle & Carlisle Railway as a diversionary route – and Richard got to be on board…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:33) Northern Powerhouse Rail(31:53) Liberal Democrats rail policy(35:01) Settle & Carlisle Railway diversions(43:18) Railway 200 anniversary(45:59) Thanks to Supporters(47:23) Railway News Round-up(47:28) Visual disruption maps(49:13) Freightliner is acquired(50:46) SatSense satellite radar monitoring(52:11) £135k toilet for Brough(53:22) North Dorset Railway track reinstated(54:39) Pathfinder Railtours to close its doors(56:31) The Quiz(58:41) Royal Mail Railway 200 stampsMembership: 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.
Sep 23, 2025 • 29min
Ellie Burrows: In the hot seat for the biggest East Coast timetable change in a decade!
Imagine being responsible for the East Coast Main Line, or the Midland Main Line, or the whole of the Anglia – and then imagine actually being responsible for all of it – plus East West Rail, Trans Pennine Route Upgrade and the East Coast Digital Programme; all at the same time. That’s the extraordinary challenge that Ellie Burrows,Regional Managing Director (Eastern) for Network Rail faces every single day. Over 6000 route miles, over 3400 passenger trains and 1740 freight movements every day, it’s a serious job with serious responsibility.Filmed in Bedford, Ellie explains how she goes about ensuring the day to day railway operates safely, reliably and efficiently and how she and her team plan for some of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – facing the railway in the coming years.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.
Sep 22, 2025 • 17min
Settle & Carlisle Railway Diversions On Test – and we’re on Board!
In the days of British Rail and Virgin Trains, the iconic and spectacular Settle & Carlisle railway line was used as a diversionary route whenever there were closures for engineering works or similar on the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Carlisle. The Settle & Carlisle line has not been used for diversions for a decade however, much to the displeasure of communities along the route as well as rail enthusiasts and others who believe an opportunity is being missed to keep people on trains and avoid the dreaded rail replacement buses.Now, there is good news. Thanks to collaboration betweenAvanti West Coast, Network Rail, Northern trains, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, LNER and others, the Settle & Carlisle line WILL be used to run a shuttle service between Preston and Carlisle in January 2026 when both the West Coast Main Line and the M6 are closed at Clifton for the replacement of a major viaduct. On Wednesday 20 August, Avanti West Coast ran a very special test train over the Settle & Carlisle line to prove it worked and Green Signals was amongst a very select group invited on board.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.
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 4min
102. HS2’s ‘Green Tunnels’ – Great idea or huge waste of money?
We visit TWO of HS2’s ‘green tunnels’ and discuss whether they’re a great idea or a huge waste of taxpayers’ money…Reform says they’ll cancel HS2 and leave the part-built project as a “testament to British incompetence”. Yes, really.And Midlands Rail Hub – full steam ahead? Or maybe not…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:34) HS2’s Green Tunnels(26:12) Andrew Gilligan and Reform on HS2(40:59) Ellie Burrows interview preview(44:09) Midlands Rail Hub(48:31) Why are train tickets SO expensive teaser(50:49) Thanks to Supporters(52:30) Railway News Round-up(52:33) Alstom Widnes first passenger train(53:41) Tyne and Wear Metros adapted for Great North Run(54:55) British Transport Police Seaton murder investigation(55:35) LNER data breach(56:18) Cinema carriage restored(57:52) The Quiz(01:01:16) BBC Radio 3 Railway 200 broadcastMembership: 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.
Sep 17, 2025 • 11min
Why Are UK Train Tickets SO Expensive?
Why are train tickets in the UK so expensive? In this short explainer video, we cover the top ten things that answer that question – and some of them are surprising!Questions:(00:00) Intro(00:08) No. 1 What are the railway’s main sources of income?(00:30) No. 2 How much subsidy do the railways need?(01:39) No. 3 Who controls fares?(02:25) No. 4 Why not just reduce the price of fares?(03:26) No. 5 But they did it in Scotland!(04:55) No. 6 How do rail fares in the UK compare to Europe?(06:05) No. 7 Surely train tickets used to be cheaper?(07:47) No. 8 What can be done?(09:07) No. 9 Will nationalisation help?(09:57) No. 10 What’s the outlook for fares?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.
