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
Jan 30, 2026 • 12min
Curzon 2: The Highest Viaduct on HS2!
Curzon 2 (dubbed the Bellingham bridge by the HS2 team) isgoing to be the highest viaduct on HS2 when it’s complete. An enormous 25-metre-high truss will transform Birmingham’s skyline – you can already see it looming over the surrounding warehouses and industrial units if you take the train into Birmingham.Unlike most of HS2’s other viaducts, which sit low in thelandscape, this one is the complete opposite. It crosses the existing railway line, which is itself already on top of a viaduct, crossing over a road. So, this will be the highest viaduct both from ground level to track level and from the ground to the top of the structure.Richard and Charlie were lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit the site and climb to the top (the equivalent of walking to the top of a seven-storey building)!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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 10min
121. Dawlish Sea Wall breached again - Is it time for an alternative route?
The Dawlish Sea Wall collapses in 2 places after StormIngrid hits Devon and Cornwall. Time for a new route?Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander signs agreements withNorthern leaders, but what do they actually commit to?And ORR makes a confession over the Avanti WestCoast ‘Ghost’ trainIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:39) Dawlish Sea Wall breach(26:42) Northern Powerhouse Rail ‘compacts’(31:53) ORR’s ‘Ghost’ train confession(40:22) Mark Phillips interview teaser(44:08) Thanks to Supporters(45:47) Railway News Round-up(45:50) Chair of GBR search begins(49:07) HS2 tunnelling to Euston starts(50:16) West Coast Main Line ‘upgrades’(53:22) Former GWR shed gone(55:07) LNER caves to pressure over Peterboroughstop(01:00:45) The Quiz(01:05:27) £113.5k Funding for Spey Viaduct**Link to download the TicketyBoo app:https://myticketyboo.com/app_download/Link to TicketyBoo website:https://myticketyboo.com/Use code GREENSIGNALS5 at checkout to get £5 off your first booking**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-ltdCredits:Thumbnail image - Coast Cams/Network RailImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 27, 2026 • 5min
NEW (Nearly) Trains for Chiltern Railways!
The venerable Mk 3 coaches that date from the 1970s and 1980s have served Chiltern Railways well for over 15 years now but everything is about to change.On Tuesday, 27th January, Chiltern Railways officially launched the first of its 13 Mark 5a trainsets, complete with Class 68 locomotive all decked out in a striking blue livery. Named Chiltern Explorers, the winning name in a customer vote, Richard had a chance to ride on the launch train and meet up with Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, Richard Allan, to learn what the arrival of the Mark 5As mean for Chiltern Railways and its customers. It’s fair to say, he was pretty happy…..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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 27, 2026 • 58min
GWR Boss answers the tough questions: Mark Hopwood CBE – Great Western Railway MD
The Great Western Railway. Brainchild of legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Chocolate and Cream coaches and quintessential English Branch lines.GWR has always done things a little differently whether it be broad gauge tracks or diesel hydraulic locomotives. There’s the Great Western Way and there’s the wrong way surely someone must have said at some point….Today, GWR conforms more than it has in the past, but it still stands out. It’s elegant green liveried trains still serve the great cities of Cardiff, Bristol and all points west, right through to the extremities of the rail network in Penzance. It’s Managing Director is Mark Hopwood CBE, a veteran of the rail sector and a highly respected railway operator. Much has been achieved during his tenure but nonetheless, he still faces some significant challenges. I met up with Mark rather appropriately at the Didcot Railway Centre, the home of the Great Western Society, to talk about GWR - the highs, the lows and what may lie ahead.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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 26, 2026 • 12min
Northern Powerhouse Rail - What could go wrong?
Northern Powerhouse Rail, or NPR, was announced by the Government to much fanfare on 14 January 2026. Up to £45 billion will be invested in the creaking railway infrastructure of the North. A new line between Birmingham and Manchester is going to be under consideration. Years of dither and delay ends now, trumpeted the Secretary of State for Transport. Many cheered for joy but a few scratched their heads. Surely the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade has been underway for a few years, and won’t that provide the baseline on which much of NPR between Manchester and Yorkshire will be built in any scenario? And why is a new line from Birmingham to Manchester such a great thing when the Government say it will be decades away and yet HS2 had planned to build it next before Rishi Sunak cancelled it?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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 22, 2026 • 56min
120. Northern Powerhouse Rail – Done deal? Or not?
Northern Powerhouse Rail – Is it really a done deal, or just the beginning?A new line from Birmingham to Manchester! Richard thinks it’s bonkers…And we preview an illuminating interview with Great WesternRailway MD Mark Hopwood.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:28) Spanish train crash(02:26) Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement(22:18) New Birmingham to Manchester railway(32:14) Mark Hopwood interview preview(36:57) Thanks to supporters(38:21) Railway News Round-up(38:24) Network Rail jobs could be at risk(39:39) CMA approves Eversholt acquisition by Beacon Rail(41:26) Caledonian Sleeper stops at Birmingham(42:33) ScotRail’s ‘Polar Express’ cold trains(45:11) Clayton saved by Clarke Chapman(46:58) Brigg Line Fish Fry-Day date(48:00) The Quiz(51:53) £200k donation for ex GWR Pannier tank no 5575**Link to download the TicketyBoo app:https://myticketyboo.com/app_download/Link to TicketyBoo website:https://myticketyboo.com/Use code GREENSIGNALS5 at checkout to get £5 off your first booking**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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 20, 2026 • 23min
Digital Train Ticket revolution: we try it!
Imagine a world where you could arrive at a station, get out your phone and open an App, click Start journey, make your train journey and then at your destination simply click End journey – and then have complete confidence and trust that you would be charged the correct, cheapest available fare. Sounds like science fiction? Well, it could soon be science fact thanks to the Digital Pay as You Go trials currently underway across the railway. There are four such trials, all sponsored by the Department for Transport and Richard recently went to see the East Midlands Railway trial with Trainline that’s underway between Leicester, Nottingham and Derby.Richard spoke with Steve Gooder, Vice President of Retail Innovation at Trainline about the new technology and came away very impressed. This could be genuinely game changing for passengers in the future. And not far in the future either……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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 2min
119. Billwatch: Government comes out fighting on Railways Bill
Billwatch returns… Scrutiny of the Railways Bill is heating up and the Government comes out fighting – but are we convinced?We preview a fascinating visit to see Digital Pay as You Go in action on East Midlands RailwayAnd Network Rail gets the Clifton Bridge renewal at Penrith completed early!In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:30) Billwatch(38:25) Digital Pay as You Go trial teaser(42:45) Thanks to Supporters(44:13) Railway News Round-up(44:16) New GBR livery £32k bill(45:25) RMT ballot members on pay offer(46:45) Clifton Railway Bridge replacement is completed early(49:22) GWR & LNER leasing costs(51:56) Network Rail staff rescue woman from deep snow(54:08) Brigg Line Fish Fry-Day in Cleethorpes(55:32) The Quiz(57:30) Shout out to GWR staff members** Link to Strathwood's 3 for 2 offer **https://strathwood.co.uk/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 - Thumbnail image: Department for TransportImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 9min
118. New Rules on Railway Access = Bad News for Freight?
New rules on access to the railway are coming… and it couldbe bad news for freightTrenitalia gets serious about competing with Eurostarthrough the Channel TunnelA further 30 stations in the South East get contactlessticketing. But some commentators are pretty angry….In this episode:(00:48) Railway access rules incoming…(27:09) Trenitalia get serious about Eurostar(33:51) Cheadle station delays(41:43) TfL expands contactless ticketing(45:10) King’s New Years Honours for rail staff(47:03) Thanks to Supporters(48:56) Railways News Round-up(49:00) Avanti West Coast S&C shuttles(52:39) Calls for additional capacity on Northumberland Line(55:51) Proposal to reopen Bangor to Afon Wen railway(58:09) Nottingham trams CEO comments(59:48) Shap derailment Pendolino back in traffic(01:01:03) The Quiz(01:04:42) Shout-out to GWR staff memberMembership: 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/greensignallersImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 14min
117. Do We Have A Leaderless Railway?
As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look at TransportSecretary Heidi Alexander’s first year…We review the key moments from 2025…And we take stock of the year that was Railway 200, with apreviously unseen interview about the Greatest Gathering.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:34) Heidi Alexander’s first year(17:08) 2025’s key moments(39:15) Thanks to supporters(41:07) Greatest Gathering interview(01:04:24) The Quiz(01:08:55) HS2 milestones in 2025Membership: 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: Department for TransportImportant Notes:The views and opinions expressed by any guests or interviewees on this channel / podcast are strictly their own and should not be assumed to reflect those of the hosts, the management or the Directors of Green Signals.The Green Signals podcast should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate and qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.The Green Signals podcast and YouTube channel is provided ‘as is’ and none of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, hosts or management are liable for any damages in any form arising from the use of or reliance on any advertisement, product, service mentioned or any discussion about any matter.None of Green Signals Productions Limited, its Directors, its hosts or its management are responsible for any third party advertiser content, claims or representations. The views, opinions or claims of any advertiser or commercial third party that may from time to time appear on, or be referenced by us, in any of our podcast shows or videos should not be taken to reflect our own views or opinions in any way.
