Life On Rails

Welcome to Series 3. In the first episode of the brand-new series, Lucy and Dom sit down with Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, to discuss Greater Anglia’s transition into public ownership and what it means for passengers. In addition, Lucy and Dom bring you a brand new ‘Career Clinic’ segment, where they will be in conversation with Greater Anglia's Early Careers and Apprenticeships Manager, Viktorija Starling. Together they will offer CV advice and dive a little deeper into roles and careers at Greater Anglia. Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia's Partnerships Manager also stops by to discuss his role and what Greater Anglia is doing to create an integrated transport network. As part of the News in Spotlight, Lucy and Dom talk about the exciting anticipation of the newest station to the Greater Anglia network, Beaulieu Park, which is due to open in a matter of weeks. As well as this, the National Rail Awards 2025 wins are also on the agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of series 2 of Life on Rails, Lucy and Dom welcome special guest, Katie Frost, Route Director at Network Rail Anglia to discuss her role, vision, and what it is like running the UK’s busiest railway station - London Liverpool Street. GA’s senior marketing manager, Ela Hawran Beaumont joins to share cheaper ways to travel across the network and great places for you to visit. And Joanne Rose from the Hereward Community Rail Partnership talks summer fun and interesting things to do along that part of the network, as part of our Destination in The Spotlight. For The News in Spotlight, Lucy and Dom talk about Greater Anglia’s £1.5m painting project, which included painting 35 stations across the network. Stations that have benefited from a fresh paint facelift: Alresford, Attleborough, Audley End, Billericay, Brimsdown, Colchester Town, Cressing, Diss, Ely, Enfield Lock, Felixstowe, Frinton-on-Sea, Great Bentley, Great Chesterford, Great Yarmouth, Harlow Mill, Hockley, Kelvedon, Kirby Cross, Lowestoft, March, Newport, Ponders End, Prittlewell, Rochford, Roydon, Rye House, St Margarets, Stansted Mountfitchet, Thetford, Thorpe-le-Soken, Tottenham Hale, Ware, Witham, and Wivenhoe. In addition to this, find out how Greater Anglia’s recent partnership with Seat Frog could help bring you cheaper tickets for journeys throughout the network . All of this, plus confirmed dates of when the fantastic Rail 200 exhibition train will be visiting the network this summer and what you can expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, Lucy and Dom celebrate and pay homage to Pride month. They welcome special guest, Robert George, the co-chair of Norwich Pride and chat to Lee Ivor Smith who is a member of Greater Anglia’s LGBTQ+ network group, Affinity. Alan Neville is Greater Anglia’s Stakeholder, Community and Customer Engagement Manager and joins to discuss how he has just celebrated an incredible 45 years in service and his ongoing work with stakeholder groups. With summer making an appearance, Martin Halliday, Greater Anglia’s Community Rail Development Officer at Community Rail Norfolk, talks us through the fun things happening along the Bittern Line and Wherry Lines, as part of our Destination In The Spotlight. Lucy and Dom also talk about Greater Anglia’s recent award wins and some impressive performance stats, proving why it’s still the UK’s most punctual train operator. As well as this, they discuss the network’s efforts to educate people and stamp out sexual harassment by using virtual reality, as part of the News in Spotlight. All of this and one very exciting and exclusive announcement regarding Norwich PRIDE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, Lucy and Dom celebrate International Women's Day by talking to and championing some brilliant women working in the rail industry. Bessie Matthews, one of a handful of female freight drivers stops by to talk about her journey into the rail industry and why she wants more women to do the same. In addition, she'll be discussing the brilliant charity work she has done to raise money for the Samaritans. Karen McCann from Up, Greater Anglia's internal network for women, stops by to talk about how Greater Anglia supports women at work. Community Rail Partnership Officer, Jayne Sumner is back after appearing on episode 3. She talks us through the exciting things happening along the Crouch Valley, Southend and Flitch lines, as part of our Destination In The Spotlight. Lucy and Dom also talk about the fantastic projects Greater Anglia has supported as part of the Customer and Community Improvement fund initiative. As well as this, they provide an insight into the station upgrades and improvements along the Greater Anglia network, as part of the News in Spotlight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, Lucy and Dom talk to Alan Hyde of Railway 200 about celebrating the past, present and future of the modern British railway. Dan Ribbits, Greater Anglia’s Learning and Development Facilitator stops by to talk about recruitment and training programs, and discusses how we support and develop our staff. Community Rail Partnership Officer, Jane Sumner, talks us through the wonderful places to visit on the lines within Essex and South Suffolk, as part of our Destination In The Spotlight. Lucy and Dom also celebrate Greater Anglia’s recent award win for Digital and Technology innovation at the national IdeasUK conference and our commitment to reuniting passengers with their lost property, as part of the News in Spotlight. For more information, please visit greateranglia.co.uk/podcast Link to Alternative Route Map This is a Fresh Air Production for Greater Anglia. Credits: Hosts: Dominic Rosso and Lucy Wright Producer: Lynnike Swerts Executive Producer: Annie Day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, Lucy and Dom speak to Greater Anglia’s brand new Managing Director, Martin Beable as he settles into life in his new role. Greater Anglia's resident fares guru, Ken Strong, discusses how to find the best value fares whilst travelling on the network this Christmas. Katie Goldthorpe, the Community Rail Partnership Officer for the New River Line, talks about some of the beautiful locations and festive activities available on this route. Lucy and Dom also celebrate Greater Anglia’s National Rail Awards win and commitment to passenger health and safety, as part of the News in Spotlight. For more information, please visit greateranglia.co.uk/podcast This is a Fresh Air Production for Greater Anglia. Credits: Hosts: Dominic Russo and Lucy Wright Producer: Lynnike Swerts Executive Producer: Annie Day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of Series 2, Lucy and Dom speak to the journalist, broadcaster, and railway advocate Michael Portillo about his extraordinary adventures. Greater Anglia's Safeguarding and Community Safety Manager, Georgia Payne, discusses how we can support people struggling with their mental health. Talia Rushmore, the Community Rail Partnership Officer for the East Suffolk Lines, speaks about some of the beautiful locations and activities available on some of this route. Lucy and Dom also mark the fifth anniversary of Greater Anglia's new fleet of trains as part of the News in Spotlight. This is a Fresh Air Production for Greater Anglia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of Season 1, Juliette and Lucy speak to Sally Shaw, Director of the Firstsite art gallery in Colchester, about creativity, rail travel and days out by train. Greater Anglia’s Engineering Director Martin Beable explains how the new trains have helped boost performance, while Georgia Payne, the operator’s Safeguarding and Trespass Prevention Lead, discusses partnership work with Samaritans and how small talk can save lives. Greater Anglia’s Head of Revenue Matthew Chivers explains why fares change and resident Fares Guru Ken Strong returns with a wealth of money saving tips to see you through 2023. Juliette and Lucy also discuss the different ways people can travel to and from the station and how Greater Anglia is helping people reduce their carbon footprint. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Greater Anglia, we are back at Norwich Theatre Royal to speak to special guest, Dame Trott AKA actor Richard Gauntlett, from this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Dame Trott shares her love for the region before she is sent on a special surprise trip. Head of Business Readiness, Keely Lopes, explains how the business prepared for its new trains, and we speak to train planning manager Ben Brandon, who explains how every train is timetabled. Community and Customer Engagement Manager Alan Neville talks about the 300-strong team of station adopters who are brightening up stations across the network and helping to strengthen Greater Anglia’s sustainability credentials. Hosts Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright bust some myths about Christmas on the railway and issue advice to customers travelling over the festive period, while Fares Guru Ken Strong explains how people can save money on trips to London this festive season with the London Evening Out and London Night Out tickets. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreaterAngliaPR #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Juliette and Lucy take to the stage and speak to Stephen Crocker, CEO of Norwich Theatre Royal, about the bustling arts scene in the East and plans for the future. They also find out what’s it like in the hot seat in control with Addie Quinnear, who works in our control centre in Romford. … and just how clean is the air around your station? Environment and Energy manager Steph Evans discusses a pilot to monitor air quality at some of our stations, while Brett Chalkley, joint project manager of our Stadler Fleets explains how we have to modify old trains before we return them to their leasing company. The Fares Guru Ken Strong returns with more money saving tips, and we find out how to run a slick rail replacement bus operation with Sharon Arnold, Greater Anglia’s Rail Replacement Manager. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreaterAngliaPR #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Greater Anglia, we speak to podcaster and writer Robbie Knox about relocating to Norfolk and his passion for the region. We also hear from a train driver about the dangers of trespassing and the impact it can have, and we meet one of Greater Anglia’s area managers, Paula Wilson, who talks about her career journey from the skies to the rails. And from Hockley to Hollywood, we find out about some of the big screen blockbusters that have been filmed on our network when we speak to our filming consultant, Adrian Booth. Our fares guru Ken Strong explains how you can recover the cost of a railcard in a single trip, and presenters Juliette and Lucy explain what to do if you leave something on one of our trains over the summer. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreaterAngliaPR #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Life On Rails, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Greater Anglia, we hear from the managing director of Greater Anglia, Jamie Burles, who talks about what it’s like to be in charge of a large train company. We find out everything you need to know about engineering works on the railway and learn how special gadgets have saved the equivalent of over 1000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (the same amount produced by heating 370 homes), while resident fares guru Ken Strong talks about Ranger and Rover tickets. Presenters Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright also chat with special guest celebrity astronomer Mark Thompson and recommend a train trip in East Anglia for him. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreaterAngliaPR #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 4 of Life On Rails we hear how two weeks’ work experience was the start of a lifetime career in the railway for Sarah Swanston, one of Greater Anglia’s first female drivers. ITV Anglia’s David Whiteley talks about rivalry between him and his wife, BBC Look East’s Amelia Reynolds and describes his dream day on the North Norfolk coast. Presenters Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright also find out there was more to getting new trains than just the trains themselves and give top tips on the best way to get a seat on a busy train. Finally, resident fares guru Ken Strong explains how to buy a cheap ticket online. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreateAngliaPr #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright return to delve behind the scenes of Greater Anglia. East Anglian poet Luke Wright talks about how his love of East Anglia inspires his work in the latest episode of Greater Anglia’s Life On Rails podcast. Listen to find out what Luke is writing next, and hear him read a poem about his dad’s daily commute to London. This episode also reveals the extensive testing new trains are subjected to before being declared fit for passengers; the weird and wonderful excuses proffered by fare dodgers, and how the railway prepares for March winds and April showers. Finally, podcast regular fares guru Ken Strong explains how to travel between London and Norwich for just £6.60. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreateAngliaPr #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 2 of Life on Rails, Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright take another look behind the scenes at Greater Anglia. Have you ever wondered who decides what colour trains should be and designs the interior? In this episode we speak to Jason Brandon, who as brand manager of Greater Anglia, was responsible for what the new trains should look like – and answers the question - "why do they have carpets?” Engineering director Martin Beable picks his favourite green features of the new trains, while accessibility manager Rebecca Richardson explains some of the innovative features which are making the railway more accessible for all. Resident fares guru Ken Smith gives his top tips on cheap travel for nights out in London. Listen in to meet Julie Berry, voice over artist and the woman behind Greater Anglia's announcements. Finally, Juliette and Lucy talk about snow and ice, and what the railway does to cope with it. Icicles in Ipswich tunnel - https://twitter.com/networkrail/status/969514836609634304 Network Rail’s snow plough - https://twitter.com/GreaterAngliaPR/status/970305018934054912 London evening out tickets - https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/londonevening See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to this first episode of Greater Anglia’s new podcast to discover some interesting nuggets about life on rails. Find out how trains are made, how they’re kept clean and sanitised, and why leaves on the line are like black ice on the road. Discover which destination we recommend to YouTuber Geoff Marshall, and how you can get the cheapest fares. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreateAngliaPr #LifeOnRails. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well, and visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast to discover more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life on Rails is Greater Anglia’s new podcast, hosted by Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright. In each episode we’ll speak to special guests to look behind the scenes and find out how the railway works. We’ll be talking about new trains, how to get the cheapest fare, what makes us green and putting a spotlight on some of the people who work at Greater Anglia. We’ll also be running a travel surgery to help one guest find the ideal location to visit on our network. We’d love to hear from you, please tweet us at @GreateAngliaPr #LifeOnRails See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.