Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Green Signals
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Green Signals
Green Signals episodes
- 136. Great Western Railway nationalisation date confirmed
Great Western Railway will be nationalised in December… and that much-loved historic green livery will soon disappear
HS2’s big ‘reset’ is delayed AGAIN. Or is it?
GB Railfreight’s Class 99s take a big leap towards entering service
And… an LNER overspeed incident might have been caused by driver distraction.
**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**
** Book the Green Signals Jolly to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-signals-jolly-to-the-keighley-worth-valley-railway-tickets-1986536021717?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(01:54) GWR nationalisation date announced
(12:24) Is HS2’s ‘reset’ delayed?
(17:45) Railway news round-up
(17:52) GSM-R fault causes disruption
(18:33) Oxley freight derailment
(19:32) British Steel to be nationalised
(20:03) Severn Tunnel major work
(21:08) Mid Cornwall Metro launch
(21:53) ORR rejects Grand Union open access application
(24:23) Class 99s gain Statement of Compatibility
(30:17) Grantham overspeed caused by ‘driver distraction’?
(36:26) South West weather resilience video teaser
(42:10) Heritage news round-up
(42:19) East Lancs graffiti attack
(42:52) Vale of Rheidol Railway Prince of Wales oil conversion
(44:06) Talyllyn Railway celebrates 75thanniversary
(44:53) Severn Valley Railway platform extension
(45:55) Avon Valley Railway £150k fundraising appeal
(46:43) Kent & East Sussex Railway Morning Bird-Song Tours
(47:32) Museum of Scottish Railways new exhibition
(48:35) Thanks to Supporters
(50:36) The Quiz
(55:24) Wabtec Doncaster Open Day
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
59 min - 135. Blackpool Trams - “This isn’t the end for heritage trams” says Blackpool Transport
It’s not the end of heritage trams in Blackpool! We ask Blackpool Transport what its plans are now that Tramtown has closed…
Ending ‘Boom and Bust’ on the railway – the Government responds to Transport Select Committee recommendations once again... but will Richard be as supportive this time?
And we celebrate 150 years of the Settle & Carlisle Railway.
** Find out more about the Emerald Isle Belle here: https://www.belletrains.co.uk/emerald-belle-2027 or by calling 01284 330123
** Book the Green Signals Jolly to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-signals-jolly-to-the-keighley-worth-valley-railway-tickets-1986536021717?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:41) Blackpool Trams latest
(13:08) Ending ‘Boom and Bust’
(28:51) Settle & Carlisle Railway turns 150
(32:11) Northern Trains interview
(40:53) Thanks to Supporters
(42:26) Railway news round-up
(42:29) RMT ‘summer of strikes’
(43:40) Turbine power on the ECML
(45:37) Portishead line new stations
(47:15) Reform threatens to cancel ‘Burns stations’
(48:58) KWVR volunteers buy a pub
(50:16) First Group take over London Overground
(51:29) The Quiz
(54:28) Network Rail trespass films
Credits: Thumbnail image - Neil Pulling
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
58 min - Sacked from DfT Operator! The exclusive full interview with Chris Gibb
Chris Gibb is one of the country’s most respected and experienced railway operators. His storied career includes a period as Chief operating Officer of Virgin Trains. Few people know how to get the most out of operating the West Coast Main Line as much as Chris Gibb. He’s spent time running Scotrail and sitting on the Board of Network Rail. Latterly he’s been the Senior NED on the Board of DFTO. He has seen the railway sector from every possible angle.
Chris has long been an advocate for taking an holistic approach to maximising the potential of HS2. That extends to taking an integrated approach to rolling stock including how we think about the eventual need to replace the current fleet of tilting trains.
Perhaps frustrated by the lack of progress and concerned that decisions may be made that could actually reduce capacity of West Coast Main line services, Chris made a presentation to the All Party Parliamentary Rail Group setting out his ideas. The Government was not impressed and within 72 hours, Chris had been dismissed from his role at DFTO.
Green Signals recently met up with Chris to chat about what happened and what happens next. There’s no bitterness whatsoever. Just a burning desire that everyone, collaboratively, does the right thing for the future of this most important of rail corridors.
It’s clear he’s not going away.
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
40 min - The UK's Most Beautiful Railway? Settle & Carlisle Railway Celebrates 150 Years
It is the railway line that survived against all the odds. It became a high profile cause celebre for campaigners and a political football for railway administrators over a long drawn out period beginning in the 1960s with the publication of Richard Beeching’s infamous report and ending in the late 1980s with a remarkable reprieve.
On 1st May 2026, this glorious railway celebrated its 150th anniversary, a celebration that for many years, look seriously in doubt. Green Signals spent a couple of days on the railway in glorious weather including the all important 150th anniversary day to speak to some of the people and to hear their stories of saving the line back in the 1980s and the work that is done today to ensure the line’s present as well as its future.
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
31 min - 134. Exclusive - Sacked from DfTO Chris Gibb interview
The sacking of an experienced railwayman from DfT Operator…Chris Gibb gives Green Signals an exclusive interview
Breaking news that Blackpool’s Tramtown has been closed ‘permanently’
Shock, horror! Richard agrees with the Government on its response to Railways Bill recommendations from the Transport Select Committee
And… Bransty Tunnel on the Cumbrian Coast Line. Why have repairs still not started nine months after closure?
** Find out more about the Emerald Isle Belle here: https://www.belletrains.co.uk/emerald-belle-2027 or by calling 01284 330123
** Book the Green Signals Jolly to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-signals-jolly-to-the-keighley-worth-valley-railway-tickets-1986536021717?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:44) Blackpool Tramtown closed
(06:06) Chris Gibb interview
(17:23) Government response to Railways Bill recommendations
(40:07) Bransty Tunnel: why has work not started?
(47:46) Thanks to supporters
(49:00) Railway News Round-up
(49:02) Two trains collide in Copenhagen
(50:47) Winslow station campaign
(51:47) LNER Flying Scotsman restored
(53:59) Iarnród Éireann HVO pilot
(55:15) Spa Valley Broom Lane Bridge bashed
(57:11) The Quiz
(01:00:47) “Ashing up” in West Yorkshire
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
1 hr 6 min - Inside a Railway Research Lab! We go behind the scenes at the University of Southampton
Britain has a proud history of advanced railway research. It was British Rail who conceived the hugely successful High Speed Train. The BR Research Centre then came up with the brilliant tilting train design of the Advanced Passenger Train until it was scrapped, only for it to reappear years later, when it was sold back to us by a French Italian consortium in the form of the Pendolino.
The Railway Technical Centre in Derby was a global centre of excellence. And then at privatisation, we rather lost the plot. The research arm of BR was sold, and research and development became fractured.
Fortunately though, the story did not end there and Green Signals recently had an exclusive behind the scenes visit to the University of Southampton where Professor William Powrie CBE and his colleagues are undertaking some amazing research that is not only improving our knowledge, but helping to save hundreds of millions of pounds as well.
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
41 min - Reflections of a Rail Regulator - John Larkinson, outgoing CEO of the Office of Rail and Road
Few railway organisations have witnessed as much change in their role and structure over the past 30 years as the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). This, despite being a constant feature of the landscape. And yet the next few years will bring about the biggest changes so far in their role.
John Larkinson has been CEO for over 7 years, the culmination of a long and distinguished career in the railway industry. At the end of April 2026, John retires, a pivotal moment for him personally and the industry at large.
Green Signals sat down with John recently to chat about his career, his time at the SRA, at the ORR and the highs lows of all that, including his views on rail reform and hopes for the future. It’s a very personal discussion and one that anyone interested in the extraordinary period since privatisation of the railway till now will find hugely interesting.
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
59 min - 133. 1 Trespasser. 426 Trains delayed. 10k+ Passengers stranded - What happened?
A single trespasser on the East Coast Main Line causes 426 trains to be delayed and tens of thousands of passengers to be stranded. So, what happened?
Will Leeds ever get its trams? A leaked report raises doubts – and questions – for Chancellor Rachel Reeves and West Yorks Mayor Tracy Brabin
And a railwayman of nearly 50 years’ experience is fired from DfT Operator for breaching the civil service ‘selflessness’ clause… but did he?
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:50) Retford trespass incident
(14:13) Green Signals event update!
(15:51) Will Leeds ever get its trams?
(28:43) Chris Gibb is fired from DfTO
(31:43) Railway research video teaser
(37:04) John Larkinson interview teaser
(41:16) Thanks to Supporters
(43:02) Railway news round-up
(43:05) Manchester Piccadilly wires disruption
(44:20) Crich Tramway Museum grant secured
(46:16) GBRf china clay contract
(47:17) Severn Valley Railway Society Ltd FCA approval
(48:52) GBR headquarters down to two sites
(50:44) Churnet Valley Railway derailment
(52:20) Tube strikes
(54:04) The Quiz
(58:18) Spa Valley Railway Broom Lane bridge opens
Credits:
Thumbnail image - LNER
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
1 hr 2 min - Does he have the biggest job on the railway? Network Rail’s CEO Jeremy Westlake is in the hot seat
Network Rail is pivotal to whether GBR is a success or not. The reality will always be that Network Rail, with its resources, people, assets and role drives pretty much whether the railway performs day to day both now and in the future.
Jeremy Westlake is the CEO. In taking over from Andrew Haines he stepped out of the relative shadow of Chief Financial Officer role into the full glare of the top job. Does he have what it takes to make the transition? And does he have the vision to take Network Rail forward into a future that involves it transferring into Great British Railways whilst at the same making sure it performs?
We spoke with Jeremy about those questions and many more in this extremely candid and comprehensive interview.
Note - the interview was recorded on Thursday, 26th March 2026 so the dates of some of the events Jeremy refers to in the discussion should be seen in that context.
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
48 min - 132. Jacobite steam train: Has a deal been done? Or not?
Jacobite steam train – Has a deal finally been done to fit Central Door Locking? …Or hasn’t it?
Mini Switzerland – is Swiss-style integrated transport coming to the UK? We speak to the man behind the vision
And Space weather – could the phenomenon that gives us the Northern Lights also disrupt our railway systems?
**Link to buy Platform 5’s BR Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2026. Use code GREENSIGNALS5 at checkout to receive an exclusive £5 discount (Valid until 30/06/2026): https://www.platform5.com/Catalogue/Modern-British-Railways/Pre-Order-British-Railways-Locomotives-Coaching-Stock-2026-5LCS26
**Link to book the Green Signals Jolly to the KWVR: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-signals-jolly-to-the-keighley-worth-valley-railway-tickets-1986536021717?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(00:35) Jacobite steam train update
(12:07) Mini Switzerland interview
(26:15) Space Weather and the railway
(38:58) Jeremy Westlake interview teaser
(41:40) KWVR Jolly tickets update
(43:32) Delay Repay interview
(51:40) Thanks to Supporters
(53:10) Railway News Round-up
(53:15) Signal Post Telephones to be phased out
(54:33) Borders Railway to Carlisle?
(57:17) DB Cargo completes in-cab signalling on 66070
(58:19) TPE additional services
(59:57) 60th anniversary of West Coastelectrification
(01:00:40) Cliff instability near Saltburn to Boulby railway
(01:02:49) 4-SUB Unit 4732 update
(01:05:03) The Quiz
(01:08:28) Hull Trains celebrates unsung heroes
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/join
Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals
Green Signals:
Website -http://www.greensignals.org
Merchandise - http://greensignals.etsy.com
Newsletter -http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list
Follow: X (Twitter) -https://twitter.com/greensignallers
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd
You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - https://www.greensignals.org/legal/
1 hr 12 min
About Green Signals
From the publisher's feed
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.
Best of Green Signals
Ranked by our users in the last 21 days
More shows like Green Signals
Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
380 Listeners
Politics Unpacked
111 Listeners
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
107 Listeners
Newscast
654 Listeners
Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
45 Listeners
Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government
17 Listeners
The Rest Is Politics
3,049 Listeners
The News Agents
1,106 Listeners
The Rest Is Politics: Leading
948 Listeners
The Rest Is Entertainment
914 Listeners
How To Win An Election
23 Listeners
Political Currency
144 Listeners
Politics At Sam and Anne's
34 Listeners
Talking Politics
13 Listeners
Not Another One
20 Listeners