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
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
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h
79. Will HS2 trains cause a ‘sonic boom’ effect? AND Exclusive Rail Minister interview
We dive into the intriguing topic of whether HS2 trains could cause a ‘sonic boom’ as they speed through the UK’s high-speed rail network. High-speed trains in other countries, like Germany and Spain, have experienced this phenomenon when entering tunnels, but what about the UK's HS2 project? Join us as we explore the science behind sonic booms, the technology used to prevent them, and take a close look at the world-first Chilterns Tunnel south portal on HS2. We also have an exclusive interview with Rail Minister Lord Hendy at the launch of Siemens Mobility’s new £100m research site in Chippenham.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:42) Sonic booms on HS2?(15:05) Siemens Mobility ground-breaking event(18:57) Exclusive interview with Lord Hendy(26:55) Railway Industry Association on railway supply chain challenges(33:57) Cambrian line track work preview(39:29) Trespass video preview(42:35) Thanks to supporters, Super Thanks and Members(43:57) Railway News Round-up(44:00) Network Rail £1.1 billion contracts(45:05) Grand Central contract extension(47:28) HS2 TBM completes tunnel drive(49:14) Keswick rejoins rail network!(50:28) Severn Valley Railway landslip update(51:25) Railway 200 Inspiration Train locations(52:47) The Quiz(57:16) Northern Engineer retires after 53 years of serviceMembership: 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:Thumbnail - CGI rendered image of HS2 trains at tunnel mouth - HS2 LimitedImages of Trespass in the excerpt of Trespass video - courtesy of and approved by Network RailAnimation of TBM completing tunnel drive - HS2 LimitedGeorge Stephenson statue goes to Locomotion - National Railway MuseumNorthern Engineer retires about 53 years - Northern Trains
Apr 3, 2025 • 53min
78. £415 million for rail in the North… or government spin?
The Prime Minister announces £415m investment in railways in the north! But what’s the real story?Virgin Trains moves a step closer to challenging Eurostar… but it’s still a long way off being a done dealAnd… passenger numbers are increasing… but revenue is still lagging miles behind. We investigate.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:47) £415m for railways in the North(11:24) Virgin Trains challenge against Eurostar(20:39) Passenger revenue investigation(35:52) Thanks to Supporters, Super Thanks and Members(38:41) Railway News Round-up(38:46) Wareham level crossing campaign(40:33) LNER test run to London St Pancras(41:40) S&DR200 All Change spectacular(42:27) RIA Stations: Engines of Communities paper(44:12) Northern passenger assistance trial(46:06) The Quiz(50:29) Andrew Pennington Lifetime Achievement AwardMembership: 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 shown in video):Thumbnail and picture of Virgin Pendolino at Liverpool Lime Street - Caron Badkin / Shutterstock.comFilm of Siemens Class 185 arriving at York on a Transpennine service - Richard BowkerVarious screengrabs of Government website (No 10 Press Release) - HM GovernmentScreengrab of Government CMD 946 paper - Network North - HM GovernmentScreengrab of ORR paasenger journeys April 2014 - March 2024 graph (ORR)Image of LNER Azuma London St Pancras - Courtesy of LNER
Apr 1, 2025 • 35min
A NEW Liverpool to Manchester railway
Huw Merriman, former Minister of Rail in the last Conservative Government talks about his new role as Chair of the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board. He explains how Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester) and Steve Rotheram (Mayor of Liverpool City Region) have tasked him with leading the creation of far more than just a railway – an economic corridor to promote jobs and growth on a big scale.We also discuss HS2 and the decision of Rishi Sunak when Prime Minister to cancel Phase 2 north of Birmingham. Huw explains not only was he not consulted, just informed, some of his team were tasked with developing plans for the cancellation and the creation of Network North, yet he was not involved! Huw explains he’s still a big supporter however and that one day, he believes HS2 will get to Manchester!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 (unless stated on the image)Photos of Huw Merriman - By David Woolfall - https://members-api.parliament.uk/api/Members/4442/Portrait?cropType=ThreeFourGallery:https://members.parliament.uk/member/4442/portrait,CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86672593Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail)
Mar 20, 2025 • 50min
76. Virgin Trains comes out fighting for open access rights
Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains fights hard to return to the West Coast Main Line with an appeal to the Office of Rail and Road over available capacityWe ask how many public officials does it take to have a meeting about railway projects these days?And a new Northumberland Line station – Newsham opensIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:40) Virgin Trains open access fight(31:50) How many officials does it take to have a railway meeting?(34:55) Thanks to Supporters, Super Thanks and Members(36:15) Railway News Round-Up(36:19) Northumberland Line Newsham station opens(37:06) RMT calls off Avanti West Coast strikes(37:49) HS2 TBM lifted out of Green Park Way site(38:58) HS2 A43 bridge progress(39:50) LNER named top of the TOCs(41:17) The Quiz(45:59) Furness Railway No. 20 to visit The Greatest GatheringMembership: 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)Picture of people sat round boardroom table - Jacob Lund / Shutterstock.comDrone image of Newsham railway station - Northern Trains LtdLetter to ORR from Network Rail re West Coast South timetable issues (published by ORR on 14th March 2025)Film of LNER Azuma speeding passed Essendine - Nigel HarrisFilm of Class 91 set departing Peterborough northbound - Richard Bowker
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
74. Flying Scotsman DOES have a main line future & HS2 damning PAC report
Flying Scotsman DOES have a main line future – we speak to the National Railway Museum about plans for the world-famous locomotiveWhere now for HS2? The Public Accounts Committee asks what benefits can be “salvaged” from the project and we speak to former project Chairman Allan Cooke CBEAnd… Does the Royal Train have a future after all?In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:47) Flying Scotsman’s main line future(18:58) HS2 PAC report(41:04) Rail fares increase(45:34) Thanks to Supporters, Super Thanks and Members(47:18) Railway News Round-Up(47:24) Royal Train future(48:16) AI ticket barriers for the Underground?(49:40) Steamology Class 60 project(50:35) Bluebell Railway & Network Rail collaboration(52:35) Railway 200 Inspiration train(53:34) Avon Valley Railway Bounce Back appeal(55:34) The Quiz(01:01:13) East Midlands Railway celebrates World Book DayMembership: 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 the image)Thumbnail - Flying Scotsman - Science Museum GroupScreengrabs from PAC Press Release re HS2 - Where now for HS2? - Public Accounts CommitteePicture of Royal Train with Class 67 - M Barratt / Shutterstock.comImages of new AI Ticket Gates - CubicGraphic of how steam turbine works - SteamologyFilm of Avon Valley railway - Richard BowkerEMR mascot Miles and World Book Day - East Midlands Railway
Mar 4, 2025 • 53min
Could some heritage railways be heading for the brink? HRA CEO Steve Oates interview
Heritage Railway Association CEO Steve Oates talks about the challenges facing the heritage railway sector. Steam railways are under increasing pressure, threatening the financial viability of them as businesses. Steve provides a unique insight into difficulties and what railways are doing to try and ensure their survival.Subscribe: If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. Better still, hit that subscribe button. It supports the channel and means you'll be notified whenever we publish something new. 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)
