Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

In this episode, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker undertake a chapter-by-chapter examination of the Great British Railways Rolling Stock & Infrastructure Strategy and what this could mean for passengers and suppliers [1:25].  With Transport for London trialling a directly operated bus service, Christian discusses with industry expert Peter Robinson what this might signal for the franchised system in the capital [25:05].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian questions whether the fuss over drop-off charges at airports is justified [50:53].

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Launching Season 5 of the podcast, Christian hears co-presenter Mark Walker's feedback from the conference of the UK's governing Labour Party on its choices and priorities in transport policy [1:10].  Calling All Stations republishes Christian's live radio interview with LBC's Nick Abbot looking at why rail privatisation in Great Britain failed and what the journey to nationalised Great British Railways will entail [21:14].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian celebrates the imminent beginning of pedestrianisation in London's Oxford Street for which he has campaigned for 30 years [38:44].

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Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine what the ministerial appointments and announcements from the new UK Labour Government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP indicate about the direction for transport policy [1:21].  In a discussion recorded live at London's Owl Bookshop with fellow author Andrew Martin, Christian explores some of the issues covered in his latest book, 'Fast Track: The Extraordinary Story of High-Speed Rail' [20:21].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian suggests that Great British Railways might benefit from a snappier marketing brand [60:05].

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Christian discusses the pros and cons of the Railways Bill for conveying goods by train in Great Britain with Maggie Simpson, Director General of trade association the Rail Freight Group [1:46], after which Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker update listeners on the latest progress with the legislation [19:44].  Having been one of the first people to read Christian's new book - 'Fast Track: The Extraordinary Story of High-Speed Rail' - Mark asks the author to develop the themes of his latest work [31:48].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks what can be done about the literally growing problem of bigger and bigger cars on the UK's roads [57:36].

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An episode all about metal wheels on metal rails.  Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker look at the latest parliamentary progress of the Railways Bill setting-up Great British Railways [01:56].  Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant explains how her company's investment in the newly electrified test track at its Long Marston Innovation Centre will boost capability in the UK's rail sector [20:10].  In an extended discussion, author Mick Hamer takes Christian through the covert campaign that killed off the British tram exposed in his new book, 'The Great Tramways Conspiracy' [27:15].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian celebrates the UK Government's renewed commitment to investing in on-train Wi-Fi and the role of this podcast in securing that outcome [65:39].

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Christian examines two aspects of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for the transport sector: civil aviation with Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent [1:40]; and maritime shipping with Sascha Meijer, General Secretary of the Nautilus International trade union [13:10].  Christian then discusses with co-presenter Mark Walker the five transport bills announced through the King's Speech by the UK Government for the new session of Parliament [27:45].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian reflects on the contrasting approaches to cycling in the UK and the Netherlands [39:44].

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While researching the history and current plight of Africa's railways for a forthcoming book of his own, Christian takes time out to speak to David Williams, author of 'On the Railway: The Great South African Train Story' [2:31].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks whether passenger safety precautions on airliners are up to date [44:34].

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Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker explore the themes and details of 'Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport' published by the UK Government on 2 April 2026 as the integrated national transport strategy for England [1:38].  Picking up a recurring podcast theme of road safety, Christian speaks to Louise Liddle who has channelled personal tragedy into a campaign for higher investigatory and driving standards reaching the top levels of government [27:06].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian outlines his next book and his research in Africa which will inform the project [45:05].

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Christian speaks to legendary British Rail senior manager Chris Green OBE about the pioneering launch of the ScotRail business in the early 1980s, how this experience was than applied to Network South East across London and the surrounding counties and the lessons which could be learned by Great British Railways [1:24].  Turning to the future, Christian explores with Thomas Ableman of Freewheeling his study into how the integrated public transport model developed in Switzerland might be deployed in rural areas of Great Britain [36:11].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks why the failed new highway scheme under Stonehenge has cost the taxpayer £179 million [52:30].

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As the Welsh Government publishes 'Today, Tomorrow, Together - A vision for rail across Wales and Borders', Christian speaks exclusively to Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport & North Wales, about how train services are being envisioned as well as covering Welsh bus reform and the controversial 20mph speed limit policy for local roads [2:36].  Christian discusses with broadcaster and former minister Michael Portillo his love of railways, finding a surprising twist on his current political outlook [29:43].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian examines progress in the pedestrianisation of London's Oxford Street [39:38].

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