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 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.
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
