Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

Christian interviews the Aviation Environment Federation's Tim Johnson about just how green the first trans-Atlantic commercial flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel really was [2:40]. Mark Walker and Christian discuss the rail, road and aviation measures contained in the UK Government's response to the Union Connectivity Review [24:14]. Our co-presenters also look at what rail patronage numbers in Great Britain say about post-pandemic recovery [36:53]. Finally, Christian asks what a recent legal decision on 'defeat devices' may expose about cheating on vehicle emissions [46:15]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker delve into the details of UK parliamentary bills covering automated vehicles [1:40] and pedicabs [11:42] and reveal why legislation on railways in Great Britain won't get beyond the draft stage [17:15]. Picking up on the recent UK Government ministerial reshuffle, Christian and Mark look at the biographies and responsibilities of three new office holders in the UK Department for Transport [24:29] before examining the underlying causes of the shortage of orders for new trains from British factories [29:14] and whether restrictions on rail passengers' luggage are anything new [37:09]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker consider the UK's Automated Vehicles Bill [1:45] and the Draft Rail Reform Bill [6:30]. Christian then interviews new Freightliner boss and rail industry legend Tim Shoveller about his career and the lessons he draws for the future [11:43] before speaking on site to Luton DART General Manager Linsey Sweet about just how Britain's newest transport system works [43:36]. Finally, Christian reflects on the possible settlement of England's long-running rail industrial disputes [48:53]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Breaking news brings an extra episode from Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker who scrutinise the complete abandonment of proposed rail station booking office closures in England after a huge public backlash [1:30] and the withdrawal of Cruise self-driving cars in the USA following safety concerns [16:30]. In his Final Thought from the Departure Lounge, Christian asks whether the two stories show the limitations of technology in transport [26:10]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

In an antidote to intense recent coverage of HS2 and alternative schemes, Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker take a look at 5 transport stories from around the UK listeners may have missed [2:20]. Christian reports on what the House of Commons Transport Committee was told about August's air traffic chaos [11:14], how National Highways in England has been persuaded to reverse the infilling of a much-loved railway bridge [16:50] and why so many bus shelters have vanished from the streets of Croydon [23:10]. Finally, Christian asks why we can't have a comprehensive transport strategy for the UK [32:19]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

In this special episode recorded in Liverpool focused on the 2023 principal UK political party conferences, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the Conservatives’ announcement on measures designed to protect the interests of motorists [1:10] along with the cancellation of the remaining sections of the HS2 high speed rail line and the diversion of investment funds to Network North [7:55]. We then have an extended interview about the impact of the latter announcement with Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership [14:51]. Christian and Mark then report from Liverpool on Labour’s position in the immediate wake of the conference speech by the Shadow Transport Secretary and her reaffirmation of pledges on bus and rail reform [34:03]. Finally, Christian praises recent improvements to the rail network in the Liverpool City Region [39:23]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

As the 2024 UK General Election looms ever closer, Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker examine why both the Conservative and Labour Parties are tying themselves in knots over HS2 [2:40] and whether the reform of Greater Manchester's bus network is the precursor to a wave of changes across the country [10:28]. Still with buses, Christian interviews Alex Warner about the 'Great Scenic Bus Competition' which aims to make travel on this mode of transport much more fun [17:44]. Returning to controversial infrastructure schemes, Christian looks into the findings of the inquiry into Edinburgh Trams [30:38]. Finally, Christian asks whether the UK Prime Minister is miscalculating by waging a culture war on behalf of the motorist [36:59]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Is Christian Wolmar's sceptical view of self-driving vehicles vindicated by the report from the House of Commons Transport Committee [1:59]? Does the new default 20mph speed limit on residential streets in Wales point the way to better road safety or economic ruin [9:50]? Will political choices leave the breathtaking HS2 Old Oak Common station as the terminus of a bizarre Acton to Aston railway [15:37}? Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker set out to answer these questions. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

We're back! Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker launch Season 2 bringing you up to date with three of the summer's biggest transport stories - air traffic control in crisis [1:49], Greater London's ULEZ extension [5:19] and England's main line rail booking office review [8:58] - including the take on the latter of ASLEF union leader Mick Whelan [13:51]. We then take listeners on the first part of our audio visit to the HS2 high speed rail line construction sites - this time the Colne Valley [19:30]. Christian finally asks what needs to be done to protect the 'turn-up-and-go' railway in Great Britain. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

SEASON ONE FINALE! Christian examines in detail the advantages, challenges and myths around Low Traffic Neighbourhoods with Green member of Oxford City Council, Emily Kerr [2:53]; innovative passenger boarding technology at Eurostar is then explained by the company's Gwendoline Cazenave and Gareth Williams with Andrew Budd from iProov [24:50]; and no season finale would be complete without a cliffhanger ending [44:00]. Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker will be back for Season 2 in September.

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the furious reaction to suggestions that booking offices at most of England's main line rail stations will be closed and the arguments put forward by advocates of this policy [01:30]; Christian undertakes a cab ride between London Paddington and Oxford with Great Western Railway Managing Director Mark Hopwood (and some very skilful drivers) in which they discuss a range of issues including the benefits of infrastructure and station investments, incomplete electrification, integration with local buses and the restoration of Nuneham Viaduct [11:47]; finally, Christian examines the agreement at the International Maritime Organisation on measures to reduce carbon emissions from merchant shipping [37:13].

EXCLUSIVE! With industrial disputes continuing to affect most main line passenger rail services in Great Britain, Christian hears from ASLEF train drivers' trades union leader Mick Whelan that there has been no contact from UK Department for Transport Ministers since 6 January [1:04]. Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker also follow-up the item from Episode 20 about the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway [10:12] while the centrepiece of this episode is an extended interview with Howard Smith, Director of Transport for London's Elizabeth Line, who explains the challenges which preceded the breathtaking success of this new railway [13:13]. Finally, Christian puts the newly-released paperback edition of his book 'British Rail: A New History' in historical context [41:33].

Podcasting from Cambridge, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the effectiveness of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway [00:00], the challenges of introducing a congestion charge for the City [06:18] and the status of the East West Railway project [14:10]. They then consider the lessons of the 2016 fatal crash on Croydon's tram system following the recent acquittal of the driver on criminal charges [16:45]. Finally, Christian asks what kind of public transport improvements might encourage motorists to leave their cars at home [27:43].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss how the tragic and very serious accident in Odisha should not be used to reinforce obsolete tropes about safety on Indian Railways [00:00]; Christian then returns to the subject of calls for graduated driving licences for young people in the UK by interviewing two trustees of the Under 17 Car Club which strives to enhance the skills and competences of young drivers from the outset [07:42] before reflecting on the transport infrastructure legacy of former Prime Minister (and now former MP) Boris Johnson [35:39].

What a week! Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker review the extraordinary impact of this podcast's revelation of UK Department for Transport plans to cut passenger wifi provision on franchised rail services in England, including an extensive debate in the House of Lords of the UK Parliament (to whom we are very grateful for the audio clips). Christian also reflects on what recent troubles with UK Border Force e-gates at airports may tell us about our vulnerability to hackers.

SCOOP! Calling All Stations brings news that the UK Department for Transport is trying to switch off passenger wifi on the train services it controls in Great Britain. Christian Wolmar has the exclusive as our top story. In a special edition focused on rail in Great Britain, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the status of the reform programme [10:00], positive developments on post-pandemic usage recovery along with particular marketing initiatives in Scotland [18:50] and how not every European rail initiative is as successful as we might imagine [21:10].

Revealed - the latest position on reshaping Great Britain's main line rail industry. In this podcast, Christian speaks at length with Anit Chandarana, Lead Director at the Great British Railways Transition Team on the work of the GBRTT, the wide range of reform issues the team is addressing and the prospects for legislation implementing the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail in what remains of the present UK parliamentary term. Christian also reflects on the right royal endorsement for the success of Transport for London's Elizabeth Line [26:35].

A preview of Christian's next book - 'The Liberation Line' - telling the story of the Allies' amazing reconstruction of railways in France and beyond following the Normandy landings of 1944 [01:15] is followed by an in-depth interview with Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Transport Focus, the principal consumer watchdog organisation for rail, bus and road users in Great Britain [09:30], after which Christian asks whether BBC Radio should still have to broadcast the Shipping Forecast in an increasingly digital age [33:07].

This week, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the cutbacks to the UK Government's Smart Motorways programme in England [1:30], analyse what the grilling of UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP by the House of Commons Transport Committee tells us about the rail reform programme for Great Britain [8:12], discuss why two-wheeled forms of innovative transport may be falling out of favour in the UK and elsewhere [23:27] and reflect on whether or not young drivers deserve more restrictions on their freedoms [29:44].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker take a close look at the saga of the new ferries for island shipping services in Scotland [01:30], scrutinise promises of hands-free driving on Great Britain's motorways [11:15], reflect upon the renaissance of sleeper trains in Europe [17:00] and cheer on prospects for smoother boarding of flights from UK airports [23:45].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker look at the latest developments with HS2 and Euston [01:30], the controversies around Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 15-Minute Cities [14:19], the UK Government's response to the Independent Review of Net Zero by Chris Skidmore MP [26:45] and how Queens Park Rangers are leading the way on sustainable travel in professional football [40:29].

Christian and Mark Walker discuss the announcement of Derby as the future headquarters for Great British Railways [01:00], Christian talks about reducing road accidents with David Davies, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Transport Safety [10:30] and discusses city region developments with outgoing Urban Transport Group Director Jonathan Bray [22:00] before inviting ideas for naming London Overground's individual lines [33:28].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss recent changes to the construction timetable for Great Britain's new high speed railway HS2 [01:22], possible further proposals for reform of the bus regulatory regime in England [12:10], the unprecedented order for new civil aircraft by Air India [19:27] and the decision by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer not to increase fuel duty for road vehicles [25:04].

This week, Christian's prominent scepticism about the promise of autonomous road vehicles is questioned by Members of Parliament on the House of Commons Transport Committee [00:48], he interviews Rail Forum Chief Executive Elaine Clark on issues being addressed by this thriving supply chain trade association [20:25], explores with Severn Valley Railway Managing Director Jonathan Dunster the challenges facing the heritage rail sector [24:17] and deplores the culture wars affecting our pavements and roadspace [38:54].

Joined by co-presenter Mark Walker, Christian this week reflects on how public transport provision in Northern Ireland differs from that in Great Britain [1:28], considers a major report on possible sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels in civil aviation [9:36], analyses recent serious rail accidents in the United States of America and Greece [19:50] and renews his critique of the hype over autonomous vehicles [32:42].

We apologise in advance for the less that perfect audio quality in some parts of this episode. This week, Christian discusses plans for rail investment in Cornwall with Great Western Railway's Mark Hopwood [00:36], attends the Parliamentary Reception supporting Growth Track 360's campaign for better public transport linking North Wales and North West England [10:43], examines positively the UK Government's financial support for Active Travel England [20:00] and welcomes the Welsh Government's Roads Review [23:44].

Rail reform in Great Britain special! Christian discusses the recent speech by UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP on the next steps for reform of Great Britain's railways with legendary editor of RAIL magazine Nigel Harris. Also listen at the very end for the mysterious case of the disappearing British Rail sandwich #sandwichgate.

This week, Christian explains the expansion of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone [00:57], examines trials of driverless buses in Scotland and Oxfordshire [09:35], takes a deep dive into UK Levelling Up Fund grants for transport projects with a special focus on South East Wales [16:56] and argues that HS2 should be built all the way to Euston [27:52].

Christian's thrilling and informative cab ride with GB Railfreight is bookended by a discussion of the importance of Chris Skidmore MP's review of Net Zero for the UK Government and reflections on attempts to launch artificial satellites from Cornwall. There are also some harsh words for the unintended consequences of e-bike hire schemes.

Christian examines the pros and cons of Smart Motorways, festive getaways by airline, the centenary of railway grouping, fast parcel transit on trains and the latest industrial relations developments while looking ahead to transport prospects in 2023.

Christian pays tribute to a giant figure of the transport industry, reflects on the current industrial relations scene and finances of Great Britain's railways and examines bus fare capping, e-scooter technology and whether airliners can ever be truly safe without co-pilots.

Leading UK and international transport writer and journalist, Christian Wolmar, explores current issues across a range of modes including railways, cycling, autonomous vehicles and even space travel. He takes a deep dive into the underlying causes of - and possible solutions to - the ongoing wave of workforce strikes affecting the railways of Great Britain.