Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

In our Season 3 finale, Christian talks at length with the UK Minister of State for Transport and Minister for Rail, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, about the eagerly anticipated Railways Bill which will implement the Labour Government's plans for Great British Railways. Their conversation covers crucial issues such the timing of the Bill, fares reform, investment, open access, capacity allocation between operators and the HS2 reset as well as changes to bus provision across England and the upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy. Join us for Season 4 - coming this autumn! Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian speaks to 'We Own It' Founder and Director Cat Hobbs at the parliamentary launch of the report 'Passengers not profit: a vision for the Railways Bill' [1:30]. In Toronto, Canada, Christian meets cycling campaigner Albert Koehl to hear about the culture war between the municipality and the Ontario provincial government over bike lanes [13:25]. In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian shares a listener's stress at the frequency of railway station announcements [32:38]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

In her new book 'Off the Rails: the Inside Story of HS2', Sally Gimson meets with the politicians, engineers and ordinary people affected by the failure of HS2. Travelling from demolished council estates in Camden to ghost towns along the now cancelled northern branch, Off the Rails provides a forensic examination of how a vital social project imploded. Christian discusses in depth with the author the insights gained from her research, the lessons that the UK should learn and what needs to be done to bring the truncated project into service.

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker pick up on some of the issues around driverless cars from the visit to Bosch in Stuttgart covered in episode 3/18 [1:30]. With the UK's Rail200 celebrations in full swing, our hosts discuss 'The Greatest Gathering' in Derby [7:12] and Mark reports back from an unforgettable journey to the event on 'The Belmond British Pullman' [10:32]. Looking to the future prospects for rail in the UK, Christian interviews the Chief Executive of on of its largest trade associations, Darren Caplan of the Railway Industry Association [26:21]. In his thought from the departure lounge, Christian wonders what lessons can be learned from Norway on the propensity of electric vehicles to encourage greater car use [40:56]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine just which transport schemes ended up being funded by the UK Department for Transport through the Spending Review - and which ones didn't [1:20]. Ever interested in the issue of driverless cars, Christian reports back from a visit to Bosch in Stuttgart, Germany, who are developing software for the driver aids that potentially pave the way for this technology [16:25]. One year on from the election of the Labour Government in the UK, Christian and Mark discuss its scorecard on transport policy and innovation [32:20]. Finally, Christian anticipates 'The Great Gathering' at the Alstom factory in Derby as part of the Rail200 celebrations [41:56]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

We have two great interviews in this episode. Christian visits the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire, UK, and hears from Tom Ingall about the 'Reunification' project for this leading heritage operator [01:48]. Christian then talks to Caroline Seton about London's Forest e-bike hiring and sharing company and its hopes to expand across the capital [21:07]. In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian finds that Germany has had problems reminiscent of the UK with a major railway project [38:47]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

In the midst of a flurry of UK Government transport funding and policy announcements, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine: the current status of Britain's high speed railway project, HS2 [2:25]; just how realistic are expectations for driverless cars [14:40]; and which schemes are so far known to be on the receiving end of Ministers' chequebooks [23:30]. Christian also reflects on the progress of his original idea to pedestrianise London's famous Oxford Street [46:40].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the return to public ownership of England's South Western Railway [2:09], discuss how Belgium's approach to road space and safety could promote cycling in the UK [11:25], link the lawlessness of parking on England's pavements with Robert Jenrick MP's highlighting of fare evasion [20:10] and update listeners on the investigations into the Heathrow Airport power failure [35:55].

Christian experiences in person London's brand new Silvertown Tunnel and the mandatory cycle shuttle bus [2:18]; elaborates on striking new figures for the construction costs of HS2 [09:55]; releases a narrative of his book 'Liberation Line' by engaging AI bots [19:35} and welcomes proposals to lower the age requirement for train drivers in Great Britain [43:40]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

One of the most exciting transport projects anywhere in the UK is the South Wales Metro which is now fully taking shape and promises to transform travel in and around the Cardiff Capital Region. In an extended interview, Christian hears from the person widely acknowledged as the visionary behind this metamorphosis - Mark Barry, Professor of Practice in Connectivity at Cardiff University - about the commitment and determination needed from him and many others to reach this point as well as lessons which can be applied elsewhere in Wales and the wider UK [1:40]. In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian questions whether tougher punishments for reckless cyclists really should be a priority for legislation [31:30].

Christian reports back to listeners on the latest leg of his worldwide exploration of high speed rail networks, this time with the extraordinary progress made in the People's Republic of China [1:22]. Mark Walker and Christian discuss the impact of and explanations for the recent total shutdown of London's Heathrow Airport as a result of a fire in the electricity distribution network [22:41]. In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian looks forward to the possibility of competition on rail services between the UK and continental Europe [29:52]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

In an episode all about roads and cars, Christian and Mark Walker discuss the troubles facing electric vehicle giant Tesla as the company's reputation becomes entwined with that of its leader, Elon Musk [1:40]. Christian interviews Transport Action Network founder and director Chris Todd on why the UK Government should cancel the vastly expensive Lower Thames Crossing road and look at public transport alternatives instead [13:00]. In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian looks at the possible impact on taxi fares throughout Great Britain of legal action being taken by private hire operator Uber [27:30].

Christian brings listeners the second part of his report on rail developments in India with particular reference to the city of Mumbai [2:15]; Mark Walker and Christian discuss the growing pressure for a decision on how to replace HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe [19:03]; in a tribute from the departure lounge, Christian reflects on the life and work of Professor Rod Smith [26:09].

Christian reports live from India in the first part of his latest exploration of the country's vast and diverse railway system [1:23]. The new UK Government's consultation on establishing its own version of 'Great British Railways' is discussed by Christian and Mark Walker [6:53]. Richard Dilks - Chief Executive of CoMoUK - speaks to Christian about the opportunities for and challenges facing shared transport and those who wish to make use of the emerging options [27:16]. Almost literally from the departure lounge, Christian's final thought is on the dub(ai)ous pleasures of changing 'planes at a certain airport [46:55]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian and Mark analyse the speech from UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP and her proposals on London Heathrow Airport, the Lower Thames Crossing and East West Railway [1:42]. Christian interviews Abi Taylor and Joe Thomas on the campaign for family-friendly trains in Great Britain [17:38] and Steve Montgomery, Managing Director of First Rail, on his company ambitions to run more open access services [34:35]. In his final thought, Christian asks what sort of competitive landscape is being created for selling train tickets [44:59].

Christian interviews Alan Hyde from 'Railway 200' on the exciting programme of celebrations marking the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and of the industry which changed not just the UK but the whole world [1:28]. Co-presenter Mark Walker discusses with Christian the big changes underway in England's bus industry with completion of Manchester's franchised Bee Network and a new Bus Services Bill being introduced into Parliament [28:27]. In his final thought, Christian reflects on the communications expertise of retiring RMT union General Secretary, Mick Lynch [35:06].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the brief but spectacular tenure of Louise Haigh MP at the helm of the UK Department for Transport and ask what changes the past career and experience of new Secretary of State Heidi Alexander MP may bring [02:20]. Live from Tokyo, Christian reports on his experience of using the city's vast Metro system as well as Japan's pioneering high-speed Shinkansen main line network [15:30]. We have an interview with ASLEF President Dave Calfe on the rail drivers' union's new campaign for toilet and welfare facilities for train crew [36:50]. Finally, Christian asks whether Shanghai's maglev transport technology will find wider use [42:30]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Christian applies his journalistic sonar to HS2's controversial bat mitigation measures, detecting new aspects to the saga [2:00]. Transport Planning Society Chair Ben Plowden is interviewed by Christian at the Society's conference ‘The Road Less Travelled: the Principles, Policies, Practicalities and Politics of Reducing Car Use in the UK’ [13:43]. Co-presenter Mark Walker discusses with Christian the wide-ranging debut appearance of UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP at the House of Commons Transport Committee [25:00]. Finally, Christian applauds the commitment of one dedicated bus user [44:38]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

In this episode of The Transport Podcast, Christian Wolmar interviews Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation on what last week's UK Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer says about current and future plans for road vehicle taxation as electrification spreads and discussion of journey-based usage charges grows [01:45]. Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker then examine, compare and look for themes in all of the transport-related Budget measures affecting rail, bus, roads and aviation [26:34]. Finally, Christian asks just how worried we should be about hacking of transport data systems [48:06]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

In this exclusive episode of The Transport Podcast, Christian talks to train drivers' union ASLEF's Assistant General Secretary - Simon Weller - about what really happened when the UK Labour Government came into power and negotiated a settlement of the long-running pay dispute [2:30], including exploring in detail the issues around Sunday working, why the Conservatives' anti-strike measures failed and how new proposals for Great British Railways may change the landscape. There's also a flash of inspiration from Wolmar with a solution to the perennial problem of boarding passenger aircraft [32:10]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: https://x.com/AllStationsPod https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/