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
Dec 31, 2025 • 59min
Cross Channel Rail – What works and what doesn’t?
2025 finally saw some action to please those who have long campaigned for better use to be made of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link between London and the mainland of Europe. Virgin Trains was successful in winning the right to access the all-important maintenance yards at Temple Mills in North London and the British Government signed two Memoranda of understanding with the German and Swiss Governments respectively. But it is not straightforward to run direct services from London to other major European cities other than Paris, Bruxelles and Amsterdam. There are many issues to overcome. Jon Worth is one of the leading authorities on cross channel rail and his latest report is an extraordinarily detailed and thorough review of what all those challenges are – and how to fix them. It is essential reading for policymakers, politicians and anyone interested in understanding finding out what is really going on. I spoke with Jon to find out more.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: Jon WorthImportant 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 24, 2025 • 58min
116. Leeds Tram is delayed until end of 2030s!
Leeds Tram is delayed until the end of the 2030s!RAIB issues an urgent safety update on lineside monitoring equipmentAnd RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey makes some concerning comments in a recent interviewIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:28) Leeds Tram delayed(19:29) RAIB urgent safety update(28:58) Channel Tunnel Rail report teaser(36:03) RMT interview with PoliticsHome(42:44) Thanks to Supporters(44:23) Railway News Round-up(44:25) Five new station to open in Birmingham(45:38) RAIB London Bridge report(46:53) Cruach snow shed is no more!(47:42) Driverless trams for Coventry?(49:07) The Quiz(53:06) Lynton and Barnstaple Railway raises £30k from a gameMembership: 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: West Yorkshire Combined AuthorityImportant 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 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
115. Great British Railways has a new look… and we are NOT impressed
Great British Railways gets a new look… and meets with almost universal derision!Billwatch returns to Green Signals with the second reading of the Railways BillAnd we find out how one of the biggest timetable changes in recent years has gone so far…In this episode(00:00) Intro(00:27) GBR gets a new look(08:03) Railways Bill second reading(28:43) New railway timetable(35:42) LNER intermediate stops(39:20) ORR CEO steps down(42:51) GWR fleet problems(47:47) Thanks to Supporters(49:10) Railway News Round-Up(49:12) TfL awards new London Overground contract(51:00) Bee Network updates(51:58) Final HST in England(53:08) Reopening of the line through Ross on Wye(55:25) Greatest Gathering raises £100k(56:39) Garmouth/Spey Viaduct collapse(59:33) The Quiz(01:02:28) Avanti West Coast Railway Children Christmas filmMembership: 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.
Dec 12, 2025 • 22min
Railway Signalling: In days, not decades!
Imagine being able to implement signalling solutions in days, not decades? Well, that’s the vision of Universal Signalling, an exciting new signalling tech start-up who are doing things differently – and to great effect.They also have a smart approach to research, development and roll out by starting small, building knowledge and experience and growing from there.Their first significant deployment is their U-Cross system which is being trialled on the Heart of Wales line between Llandeilo and Llandovery. It has the potential to revolutionise the safe and hassle-free operation of the 126 User Worked Crossings on the 96 miles of the Heart of Wales line, and plenty other of rural lines in Wales and Borders alone. We recently visited Llandovery to see the trial in action including installation of the equipment and learn more about this exciting technology.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.
Dec 11, 2025 • 57min
114. Does the Railways Bill signal trouble for freight? And GBR unveils a new livery
It’s our first Billwatch! We examine the Transport Select Committee’s recent scrutiny of the Railways Bill ahead of its second reading this week…Great British Railways unveils a new livery for GBR trains.London to Germany by Eurostar! Excellent, but when can we book tickets?And Richard gets a behind-the-scenes look at a potentially game-changing new signalling solution…In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:30) Billwatch: Scrutiny at the TSC(30:11) New GBR livery(36:38) London to Germany by train!(39:17) Universal Signalling visit(44:04) Thanks to Supporters(45:19) Railway News Round-up(45:22) ECML timetable change(46:39) Railway Performance Society stats(48:23) Fake AI image delays trains(49:28) HS2 Phase 2A powers to expire(50:25) New open access application for Wrexham(52:06) The Quiz(53:40) Parcels as Passengers trial** Link to buy Main Line to the South Part 3 from Strathwood **https://strathwood.co.uk/products/main-line-to-the-south-part-3-swaythling-st-denys-northam-southampton-terminus-and-southampton-centralMembership: 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 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.
Dec 4, 2025 • 56min
113. The Avanti West Coast 07h00 Ghost Train to London… nearly
Avanti West Coast is forced to run a ‘Ghost’ Manchester toLondon train… until they weren’t, when the decision was reversed!Richard eats some humble pie over the fares freeze last week– and we update on how much it’s going to cost the taxpayerAnd after months of speculation, Alex Hynes is announced asthe new CEO of DFTOIn this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:29) The 07:00 Ghost Train that wasn’t(17:42) Fares freeze update(34:45) Alex Hynes is appointed to DFTO(41:06) Thanks to Supporters(42:54) Railway News Round-up(42:59) GBRf Class 99s arrive(43:51) West of England service restored(44:51) Dean Forest Railway RAIB report(46:14) TfGM plans for Denton(48:11) AECOM appointed to take forward Leamside Line plans(50:24) The Quiz(52:53) LNER Grantham station Azuma planter** Link to buy The British Railways Stories Vols 1, 2, 3, & 4 from Strathwood **https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-full-set-of-the-british-railways-stories-vols-1-2-3-4Membership: 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 3, 2025 • 24min
How To Get the Cheapest Train Tickets – Complete Buyer’s Guide
Booking train tickets in the UK is complicated – and knowing how to find the cheapest train tickets can be even harder. This is the complete guide, verified by experts, on how to do it. And if you get overwhelmed by information – just watch the bits you really need to know about, and make sure you check out the Quick Fire Step-By-Step Summary at the end.Your questions answered:(00:00) Intro(00:23) 1. What is the cheapest way to buy train tickets?(01:29) 2. What is the best website to book train tickets?(03:33) 3. What is split-ticketing?(05:28) 4. How do I know which type of train ticket to buy?(08:52) 5. What day of the week are train tickets cheapest?(09:14) 6. Is there a way to get discounted train tickets?(10:29) 7. Is a Railcard worth it?(11:36) 8. When does a season ticket make sense?(13:31) 9. How do I get my ticket? And what happens if I lose it?(14:58) 10. When can I claim a refund or compensation?(15:27) 11. How can I get the best deals on First Class train tickets?(16:10) 12. What if I want to make an epic journey by rail?(18:22) 13. What about travelling with children?(19:19) 14. What about onward travel via bus or the Underground?(20:13) 15. Can I take my bicycle/dog/kitchen sink with me?(21:35) The Quick-Fire Step-By-Step SummaryUseful Links when booking train tickets:The Man in Seat Sixty-One is a genuine expert on booking train tickets, especially if you want to travel a long distance or elsewhere in the world. Check out his website: https://www.seat61.com/Annual Gold Card area map:Here’s that confusing map to show you where you can use one:https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/23LngqwDfggHprWTDmhnLP/cb14d3813ce376a5d319790c0955dada/Gold_Card_Area_of_Validity_Map_June_2023.pdfTransport for London ticket options:https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/ways-to-pay/travelcards-and-group-ticketsMembership: 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/greensignallersThe 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 professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Nov 27, 2025 • 55min
112. Rail Fares Freeze Fiasco – Are there unintended consequences?
Rail fares are frozen for 2026! But is it wise and could there be unwanted consequences?No passenger trains for East West Rail until 2026 – more than a year after it became operational. We ask what’s going on?And we see the future of track worker protection demonstrated, as the use of “Lookouts” comes to an end on the mainline railway.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:35) Rail fares freeze for 2026(13:21) East West Rail: No trains until 2026(22:07) An end to lookout working(36:07) Thanks to Supporters(40:00) Railway News Round-up(40:04) One bashed bridge costs £50k(41:10) CrossCountry RMT strike action(42:58) No new trains for rural north of Scotland(45:00) CAF legal action over Translink procurement(46:28) Robot dog detects freight train defects in Lithuania(48:45) The Quiz(51:32) Accrington station adoption groupMembership: 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/greensignallersThe 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 professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Nov 21, 2025 • 51min
Government need to look in the mirror – they're the ones who screwed up! Interview - Olly Glover MP
In a wide ranging and refreshingly direct and no-nonsense interview, Green Signals talks to Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson and member of the Transport Select Committee.We cover the Railways Bill, the role of Government, the need to put in place a rolling programme of electrification and investment more widely, the pros and cons of rolling stock leasing and much more. Olly spent plenty of time working in senior roles in the railway industry before becoming an MP and so his comments are rooted in a deep understanding of the issues. He doesn’t pull any punches and suggests the Government might want to look at themselves in the mirror and especially the civil servants working in the Department for Transport before they complain about the mess they perceive the railways to be in. The Railways Bill debates promise to be suitably lively.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/greensignallersThe 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 professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
111. Transport Secretary gives evidence to Transport Select Committee - but how does she score?
The Secretary of State for Transport updates the Transport Select Committee on her Department’s performance so far. But what score does she get from Green Signals?Storm Claudia hits the railway, but one particular incident had us scratching our heads…And Northern launches a plan to reach 30 million more passenger journeys by 2030 – and we find out more.In this episode:(00:00) Intro(00:35) Heidi Alexander at the Transport Select Committee(34:08) Storm Claudia hits the railway(39:37) Northern 30 by 30 plan(53:37) Thanks to supporters(55:07) Railway News Round-up(55:10) Transport for London withdraws new DLR trains(56:36) Is Treasury considering using CPI for rail fares rises?(57:48) King Charles III opens Taffs Well depot(58:40) East Midlands Railway Class 810 Auroras to enter service(1:00:43) The Quiz(1:03:15) LNER hero Samir Zitouni leaves hospitalMembership: 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 of Heidi Alexander - Heidi Alexander ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble (Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)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 professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
