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
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.
Apr 24, 2025 • 53min
81. EXCLUSIVE Is Gemini Trains the REAL Eurostar competitor?
New Eurostar challenger Gemini Trains CEO Adrian Quine gives us an EXCLUSIVE interview.And we preview an upcoming interview with Northern Powerhouse Partnership’s Henri Murison, in which he does NOT hold back!In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:32) Gemini Trains interview(29:18) Henri Murison preview(36:12) Thanks to Supporters(38:51) Railway News Round-up(38:59) East Midlands Railway Class 170 refresh(39:46) Southeastern Class 376 Electrostar refresh(41:03) Coventry Very Light Rail system(41:51) Cardiff bridge repairs(46:12) The Quiz(49:43) Isle of Wight Steam Railway buys Ashey stationMembership: 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 - Credited in video and:- Eurostars at St Pancras (head on) - Pieter Beens / Shutterstock.com
Apr 23, 2025 • 36min
The Pioneer of Open Access on the Railway – Ian Yeowart interview
Open Access services are an emotive topic. They also risk becoming a real political headache in the process of reforming Britain’s railway. Politicians are talking up the benefits of re-nationalisation and control. Yet they can’t help themselves seemingly wanting to claim some credit for a deal they had no direct role in when the factory that’s building new trains for open access services announces its success to the world. Ian Yeowart is widely regarded in the railway as the guru of open access. He’s been described as the Godfather of open access (a term he dislikes) but he is uncompromising in his views. His focused approach has brought some disappointments but it’s brough considerable success.Richard went to York to chat with Ian and to discuss whether he remains as committed to open access now as he ever was, and what he thinks of the Government’s plans for the future. 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:Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)
Apr 22, 2025 • 40min
Inside Northern Trains: COO Matt Rice on Fixing the North's Railway
Northern Trains operates one of the most complex and expansive rail networks in the UK, serving everything from scenic rural routes to busy urban lines across the North of England. But recent years haven’t been easy—staffing challenges, service cancellations, and political pressure have all taken their toll. In this rare and candid interview, we sit down with Matt Rice, Chief Operating Officer of Northern Trains, to discuss how the operator is turning things around. Filmed in York, Matt shares his vision, addresses criticism, and outlines what’s next for rail passengers across the North. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, transport professional, or just curious about the future of northern transport, this conversation is essential viewing.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:Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)
Apr 17, 2025 • 49min
80. Tornado - First Digitally Signalled Steam Locomotive on the Main Line!
We dive into the ground breaking test of A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s Tornado, the world’s first steam locomotive equipped with digital signalling equipment, ready for the planned introduction of ETCS. We also cover Rail Minister Lord Hendy’s admission about using his mobile phone while driving a vintage bus, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s first major speech. #TornadoSteam #DigitalSignalling #UKRail #RailwayNews #TransportUpdate #HeidiAlexander #LordHendy #SteamLocomotiveIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:38) Tornado digital tests(07:15) Lord Hendy admits using phone while driving bus(09:31) Ian Yeowart interview preview(17:41) Transport Secretary speech(22:33) Northern Trains’ Matt Rice interview preview(29:18) Thanks to Supporters, Super Thanks & Members(31:39) Railway News Round-Up(31:42) Northumberland Line five times better than expected(34:23) SWR nationalisation to cost £250m more?(38:22) White Rose station impasse(40:12) Cirencester Community Rail Project celebration(42:05) 2000 days since last Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline(43:28) The Quiz(46:31) The Greatest Gathering artist in residenceMembership: 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)Image Credits:Footage of 60163 Tornado on Test (inc Thumbnail and cab footage at beginning of video) - Courtesy of Network RailInterview footage of Lord Peter Hendy - Richard BowkerOfficial portrait of Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP - Official portrait of Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP - Copyright House of Commons / Laurie NobleAll images of Greatest Gathering inc Greatest Gathering logo as well as images of Tim O'Brien and his works - courtesy of Alstom (Works by Tim O'Brien are his copyright)Still image of Independent Brigg Line Rail Group beanie hat with Green Signals badge - IBLRG and used with their permission)Footage of Class 701 EMU at Putney - Richard BowkerFootage of steam train crossing Britannia Road bridge, Porthmadog - Richard Bowker
Apr 16, 2025 • 52min
75. How late are YOUR trains? Train performance data shown at stations
How late are YOUR trains?! Train performance data to be displayed at stations to ‘rebuild trust’ – but will it really do that?Rail Minister Lord Hendy doubts passengers will be as patient as they need to be with the time it may take to fix the railway’s problems…And we speak to former Chair of the Transport Select Committee Iain Stewart CBE about rail reform and the challenges aheadIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:52) Train performance data at stations(07:19) Lord Hendy doubts passengers will be patient enough(17:40) Iain Stewart CBE interview(37:04) Thanks to Supporters, Super Thanks & Members(38:22) Railway News Round-Up(38:25) CrossCountry Turbostars refurbishment(39:24) Arriva ACE contract for CrossCountry ticketing(41:21) Places for London Southwark housing development(41:50) Virgin seeks money for Eurostar challenge(41:13) Harris hawks brought in to tackle pigeons on Northern stations(45:47) The Quiz(49:31) RSSB training coursesMembership: 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)Image Credits (unless stated on images):Evero EMU departing Birmingham New Street - Richard BowkerOfficial Portrait of Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP - House of Commons/Laurie NobleORR - Passenger Rail Performance October - December 2024 - ORRImage of Manchester Metrolink - PomInOz/ Shutterstock.comImage of Sheffield Supertram - Tupungato / Shutterstock.comImage of DLR train at West India Quay - tillialucida / ShutterstockImage of West Midlands Tram - Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock.comImage of West Midlands Class 321 - Michael715 / Shutterstock.comFilm of a suburban EMU departing Springburn station - Richard BowkerFilm of Class 8xx speeding through Chippenham station - Richard BowkerFilm of track relaying work in Severn Tunnel - Richard BowkerFilm of Hitachi Rail plant with EMUs for East Midlands Railway being assembledImages of Maverick and Zulu (Hawks) - Northern Trains Ltd
Apr 16, 2025 • 52min
77. Thousands of rail jobs to be axed… including on HS2?
Thousands of rail jobs to be axed, including on HS2? We discuss the reports in the context of the Chancellor’s Spring StatementNetwork Rail and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) lock horns over access to the networkAnd… Network Rail’s Head of Safety Martin Frobisher talks to us about the ORR’s concerns on railway structure safetyIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:44) Thousands of rail job cuts(09:35) Network Rail and ORR on access to the network(17:57) Teaser of Huw Merriman interview on new Liverpool to Manchester railway(22:33) Martin Frobisher interview on railway structure safety(34:07) New hourly rail service between Oxford and Bristol?(36:49) Thanks to supporters, Super Thanks and members(38:25) Railway News Round-up(38:28) East Midlands Railway solar panels at East Midlands Parkway station(39:30) Latest passenger and revenue figures(41:04) Global Centre of Rail Excellence showcase(42:37) ‘Scrapped HS2 leg set to be replaced with new rail line’(44:15) Southeastern £5 Advance tickets(45:28) The Quiz(48:31) Transport for London celebrates 25 yearsMembership: 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)Image Credits (unless stated on images):Thumbnail Picture - Inside of an HS2 Tunnel - HS2 LtdPicture of empty office - Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.comExcerpt from ORR letter to Network Rail re Approach to Access Decisions - ORRExcerpt from response of Network Rail to ORR - Network Rail25th Anniversary of Transport for London - Courtesy of Transport for London
Apr 15, 2025 • 23min
On track for £15M of track renewals on the Cambrian Line & The future of ‘Local Railways’
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the major £15 million track renewal project on the Cambrian railway line near Machynlleth. In this video, we dive into the impressive 17-day blockade work, featuring full track renewal, bridge repairs, and innovative equipment like the Trac Rail Transposers. We also explore the exciting 'Local Railway' initiative – a collaboration between Transport for Wales, Network Rail, and other partners aimed at transforming local rail services. Learn about the project's impact, the technology involved, and how this could shape the future of Britain’s railways under the new Great British Railways model.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:Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)Image CreditsDrone footage of Machynlleth & Barmouth - StorycatchersMap of Cambrian Railways - Shared under Creative Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by=sa/4.0/All other footage - Richard Bowker
Apr 11, 2025 • 21min
The killer you didn’t see coming… Shocking railway trespass near misses
Every year, thousands of people, especially teenagers, risk their lives by trespassing on railway tracks, often unaware of the deadly consequences. In this eye-opening video, we reveal shocking footage of near misses, showing the true dangers of railway trespassing. With trains reaching speeds of up to 125mph and overhead wires carrying 25,000 volts, stepping onto the tracks is far more dangerous than most people realise. Join us as we explore why this problem persists, the efforts being made to prevent it, and the real-life impact it has on lives and the railway system. Watch now to understand why trespassing on the tracks is never worth the risk.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:Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)Image Credits:Images of Trespass - courtesy of and approved by Network RailPantograph breakage - Network RailSign - Warning do not trespass on the railway - Imran Khan's Photography / Shutterstock.comExcerpt from film "Shattered Lives" - Network RailExcerpt from You v Train trespass education video - Network Rail
